Bernice Orlene Smith was born on October 21, 1939 in Hollywood, California to Byron and Junnie Smith. Her parents divorced when she was very young. When her mother contracted tuberculosis, she went to live with her alcoholic grandparents and became the only responsible person in the home. This early responsibility served her well later in her life.

She attended Hollywood High School where she became a cheerleader and made lifelong friends. She attended USC for a short while and then transferred to UCLA where she majored in physical education, graduating with a teaching degree.

After she graduated from high school in 1957, she became involved in the college department at Hollywood Presbyterian Church. This large group was led by Henrietta Mears, who helped shape Bernie’s growing faith. Bernie became a greeter for the group and remembered the names of everyone who attended (at the time, over 600 members). Her ability to remember names would later serve her well in her role as a pastor’s wife.

While at Hollywood Presbyterian, Bernie met Bob Schwenck, an art major at UCLA. He says it was love at first sight, but she wasn’t so sure. They began to date and married in Wylie Chapel at Hollywood Pres. on August 19, 1961 after Bernie graduated. After a short honeymoon in Santa Barbara, they drove to Princeton Seminary where Bob studied for the ministry. During Bob’s time at Princeton, Bernie taught Physical Education and led the school’s cheer squad.

After his graduation in 1964, they returned to Southern California where their son, Eric, was born. Bob began his first pastorate as an assistant at Granada Hills Presbyterian Church. Next he served as pastor in the Escalon Presbyterian Church near Modesto. When they were unable to have another child, they adopted their daughter, Erin in 1968. Raised as only children, both were determined to give their son a sibling.

As they served at Escalon and then at Playa DelRey, Bernie was never a “typical” pastor’s wife. She was always her own person. When the church in Playa DelRey was closing, they interviewed at Community Presbyterian Church in San Juan Capistrano. Bernie’s appearance caused a bit of a stir in this, at the time, rural farming community. She wore short leather skirt and knee boots. Her long hair hung to her waist. When she was asked, “What do you do?” she answered, “Whatever I want.” Bob was called anyway, and they found the extended family they had always longed for.

Through her years at CPC, Bernie sang in the choir, worked with the youth, participated in adult education, and served as Moderator of Deacons several times. Along with the CPC Quilters, she helped make the many quilts the group gave to new members, families with new babies, those in assisted living and nursing homes, and many families at Camp Pendleton. And Bernie remembered the name of every person who walked through the door of the church—including their children, grandchildren, and other family members.

The Schwencks’ door was never locked. Friends were encouraged to drop in—as long as they were willing to help fold clothes or participate in whatever Bernie was doing at the moment. When Bob made hospital visits, Bernie frequently accompanied him, and her smile and gentle words were always welcomed.

Bernie was a loyal and fierce friend, not above telling the truth with love. She cared deeply and unconditionally, and her friends loved her the same way.

Following their retirement from the pastorate in 2001, they remained in Dana Point, surrounded by their family and those friends who had become family. Unfortunately, she developed hydrocephalus, and it took a while to diagnose. After she had a shunt installed, most of her symptoms went away, and she was able to carry on a near-normal life. Then she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and began the slow decline associated with the ailment. In 2018, she suffered a stroke, which affected her legs. She eventually moved to Ivy Park Senior Living next door to the church. Friends visited, and Bob spent nearly every day with her. He brought her to church every Sunday so she could see her extended family, and they could see her.

Bernie passed into eternity on May 23, 2025 with her family surrounding her. All of those who survive her will miss her deeply but give thanks for the beautiful loving spirit who shared their lives through the years.

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