Bernadine Phyllis Meeker

Bernadine P. (Harder) Meeker passed away in Coeur d’Alene, ID on June 21 at the age of 93. Her death represents the end of an era of strong Harder women. She was the youngest and last to survive of six siblings born to Antone and Anna Harder.

Bernie, as she was known by her family and friends, was born on January 5, 1930, in Shelby, Nebraska. She moved to the Sandpoint area in 1934 and attended local schools.  She started beauty school in 1946 and graduated in 1947. Bernie then worked as a hairdresser with her sister, Patty, in downtown Sandpoint. She met her future husband, Lewis, at a dance at the Oden Hall in 1947, and they married on December 30, 1948. After 46 years of marriage, Lewis passed away in March 1995.

Bernie loved to garden and immensely enjoyed her flowers.  She liked sharing her fruits and vegetables with friends. She was very proud of the fact that she lived in the family home built by Lewis and her brother, Stanley, in 1952 for 70 years.  Mom truly loved her neighbors, whose many kindnesses and acts allowed her to stay in her home several more years than we thought possible.  It gave her great joy working in the lunch program at the Washington Elementary School for 16 years.  Bernie had wonderful friendships with the ladies she worked with at the School.  She also had a big heart for helping others.  She took her love of crocheting and made hats and scarves for local children through Toys for Tots.  Jan and JoAnn have great memories of delivering those items with their mom each year and the joy it gave to them all.  Bernie had a wonderful fondness for living by the Memorial Field and took pleasure in the many activities that took place there.  She especially liked The Festival activities each year and had so much fun inviting friends and family to sit outside with her and listen to the music.

Bernie was a woman who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.  Her family and friends meant everything to her, and she appreciated spending time with the people she cared about.  Mom came to know the Lord this last year, we are comforted to know she is in Heaven and we will see her again.

Bernie is survived by her three children:  JoAnn Solberg (Rick) of Hayden, ID, Jan Meeker-Todd (Brad) of Spokane Valley, WA, and Bob Meeker (Desi) of Spokane, WA.  She adored her six grandchildren:  Jennifer, Kristen, Brian, Griffen, Nicole, and Jason.  Her grandkids thought the world of her and took an interest in her life. Bernie leaves behind nine great-grandchildren: Madie, Luke, Cyrus, Olivia, Loren, Jude, McKenzie, Gracie, and Joey.

Our family thanks each one of Mom’s wonderful neighbors. We are also thankful to Lola Bennett, Mom’s niece, and Polly Marcy, her special pal, for their love and spending time with her over the years.  She was blessed with her kind, compassionate caregivers Lisa, Stephanie, and Roberta, who brought her joy and loving companionship.

To all of you that called her a friend, thank you…

We will miss you greatly, Mom!!

Funeral services will be conducted at Coffelt Funeral Chapel on July 12, 2023 at 1:00 followed by graveside services at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Those wishing to make a donation in her honor are encouraged to do so at Panhandle Animal Shelter, Sandpoint, ID.