| Notes |
- Lovell Chronicle
May 3, 2007
A native of Big Horn County, Bernice W. Cozzens was born March 2, 1911 at the home of her grandmother, Margaret Ann Haskell Smith, on Shell Creek. She died peacefully in her sleep very early on April 30, 2007, at the Powell Valley Care Center.
Bernice grew up on the family homestead southwest of Byron with her parents, Fritz and Margaret Smith Winzenried, and four younger brothers, Albert, Wayne, Joseph (all deceased), and Jesse (Lela) of Cody.
Bernice graduated from Byron High School in 1929, one of seven in the class. Of the seven, three gathered in 1999 for their 70-year reunion in Byron.
She attended Brigham Young University for one year, and then three semesters at the University of Wyoming. She said it was hard getting back and forth from Laramie, having to ride the train. She studied home economics.
In 1932, Bernice married Solon Cozzens. The couple moved to California for several months, and then back to Byron where they raised two children - Annabelle, former mayor of Byron, and Dennis, who with his wife Laura moved back to Byron upon retirement.
Bernice worked for 43 years at the Byron Post Office, icluding one yar as acting postmaster. She retired on March 2, 1990. She said she enjoyed being able to see everybody as they came in to get their mail.
She also served as town clerk for 22 years, working out of her home as there was no town hall. She said the council had to have their meetings in homes as well. Also, for eight years she kept the books for the Sidn Irrigation District.
Throughtout her adult life, Bernice participated in the quilting and sewing clubs. She also held many positions in the church she loved. During the construction of the new Byron church building, she was the ward financial clerk. She held this position for many years. She served in many other callings, in the Primary and the Relief Society. She did love to work with the sisters on the beautiful quilts that were made.
She was a quiet, dignified woman, and loved by all who knew her. She was also noted for her wonderful homemade rolls. She was a multi-talented lady. She had one of the most beautiful flowers gardens and yard in town.
She believed the teachings of the prophets, is related to the prophet Joseph Smith, and she alwyas tried to live the gospel.
Bernice was preceded in death by her loving husband, Solon, in 1979, and by her daughter Annabelle in 2004. She is survived by her son Dennis and his wife Laura of Byron, grandsons Troy (Vickie) of Colstrip, Mont., and Kelly (Brenda) of Tempe, Ariz.; grand daughter LeAnn Neville of Cody and seven great-grandchildren.
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1911 - 2007 (96 years)
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