Margaret Bernadette Tucker

Margaret Bernadette “Bernie” Tucker passed away peacefully at home in Sonoma, California, with family by her side on September 29th, 2023 at the age of 91.

The youngest of 6, she grew up on a farm in Ballymartin, Co. Down, Northern Ireland in the beautiful Mourne Mountains. After her chores, she would be found with her nose in a book and developed a lifelong love of music, movies and literature.

After school ‘Bernie’ worked at Stormont in Belfast for the British Civil Service travelling often to the US and Europe with friends, but heading home to her ‘Valley Road’ farm on weekends.  Those happy memories of dancing with friends and family never faded.  On an extended trip to USA in 1952, she decided to stay on working in San Francisco with friends. On weekends came up to Sonoma to dance at ‘Little Switzerland’.

In 1964, she met David L. Tucker. The couple were soon married at Old St. Mary’s in San Francisco before later settling and raising their 2 children in Peoria and then, Dunlap Illinois. Bernie loved singing in local Chorale groups, helping at her church or the Homemaker’s Extension, local schools, scouts and 4-H. Her fun, mischievous charm and wit made lifelong friends. She would talk about her Irish heritage at local schools and enjoyed welcoming international students studying at the local university, to family holidays and events.  She found much joy in nannying and tutoring children. In 1984 the family moved to England and lived there for many years enjoying more travel and being closer to her family and friends in Ireland.

In 2013, feeling the first effects of Alzheimer’s, she moved to Sonoma to be with family.  Her spirit of adventure, fun and connecting with others made her a known fixture on her regular walks to the ‘plaza’ and could be seen enjoying her glass of wine, happy to connect and chat with anyone. Her twinkling smile engaged many friends. Her warmth and humor will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her elder sister Rosemary McGivern of Ballykinlar, Co. Down and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in U.S. and Ireland. Mother of David Tucker and Aine Tucker.  Mother-in-law of Theresa Tucker and Grandmother of Kira Tucker. Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, November 8th at 11:30 at St. Francis of Solano, Sonoma, or via livestream at https://www.facebook.com/stfrancissolano/.

Bernie’s family is grateful to the love and care shown to her by her caregivers with special thanks to Dr. Theresa Paz and staff of By the Bay Health.

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