Bernadette F. Aldrich, 101, of Independence, Iowa died Friday, November 6, 2015 at the Buchanan County Health Center, Independence, Iowa.

Bernadette was born on October 10, 1914 in Flagstaff, AZ, the daughter of Gashum and Anna (Seitz) Powell. At the age of two her family moved to Idaho and then in the 1920’s to Tama, IA where she graduated from the Tama High School. In December 1933 she married Bernard W. Aldrich. The couple resided in Tama and Waterloo, IA prior to farming near Brandon in 1946. In 1958 the couple moved to Independence, IA.

Bernadette was a hard working farm wife who enjoyed traveling, casino’s, flower gardening, upholstering, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by five children; George Aldrich, Brandon, IA, Mary Lowe, Marion, IA, Joyce Downing, Cedar Rapids, IA, Helen (Jerry) Barske, Independence, IA, and Bill (Sandy) Aldrich, Brandon, IA. Ten grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and ten great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters; Mary Holte and Helen Nuzbaum, and three brothers; Aloysius, Charles and Edward Powell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, IA with Rev. Don Plamondon officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Independence. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM Monday and from 8 AM till 10 AM Tuesday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, IA where a rosary will be recited at 4 PM and a parish vigil service will be held at 7 PM Monday.

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