Born in Gemmel, Minnesota, Bernyce was the second oldest of three children of Evelyn and Godfried Peterson.  Bernyce Martin graduated from Duluth High School in Duluth, Minnesota. Later in life, she graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA.  She received a degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Library Science.

On June 11th, 1955, Bernyce married her life-long sweetheart, Stan Martin, in Duluth, Minnesota.  They enjoyed a happy, loving marriage for 58 years.  They moved to Tacoma in 1968.

Bernyce R. Martin was a beloved elementary librarian at Lister Elementary for 35 years.  Her passion was reading children's fairy tales and stories to her students.  She would create costumes and props to help tell the stories.  She loved her students.

First and foremost Bernyce R. Martin was a loving, caring mother, sister and daughter.  Her family was her passion and she was always there for support and love.  She stood by all of her children through life's many challenges.  She was the rock of the family.

Her parents, her husband, Stan Martin, and her son, Kirk Martin, preceded Bernyce in death.

Bernyce is survived by her sons, Stan Jr. (wife Anna) and Steve (wife Denise); her daughter Patrice Sulkosky (husband Douglas); grandchildren:  Heather Zanin (Martin), Jennifer Joy Martin, Jessica Joy Martin, and great grandchildren, Jacob Pancoast, Connor Zanin, and Logan Zanin.  She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Gustafson, and nephews and nieces.