Bernadine Whitcomb

On April 8, 2026, Bernadine Whitcomb, age 81, passed away quickly and peacefully at her home in Wolverine.

Bernie was born in Muskegon, Michigan on August 28, 1944 and was raised on a small farm near Ravenna, Michigan, along with seven siblings. She attended Ravenna High School (class of 1962) where she met Douglas Whitcomb, whom she married in 1966 and became her best friend and husband of 57 years. She earned her BA in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University. In 1977 the Whitcomb's moved to Wolverine where she had a long career as teacher and later principal at Wolverine Community Schools which was one of the highlights of Bernie's life. She made many lifelong friends of her students and their families, the school staff and members of the community. Wolverine held a very special place in her heart and she volunteered for many civic activities, serving on the Wolverine Library Board for many years and organizing violin and cello lessons and recitals for students at Wolverine Schools. She loved the fellowship of the Wolverine Free Methodist Church members, and she played the hammer dulcimer, violin, organ or piano during church services.

Bernie enjoyed spending her retirement years with her family whom she always gave a full-bodied, unfettered love. She regularly attended her grandkids sporting events, concerts, church events, and plays and was frequently host to sleepovers and spontaneous visits. Her love was evident in her home cooking, and she never let anyone leave her house hungry. Bernie had a passion for the arts and was a talented painter and musician, teaching herself to read music and play eight different instruments. Her many hobbies included knitting, jigsaw puzzles, beating her family at Scrabble, reading, skiing, and agate hunting with Doug on the shores of Lake Superior. She was known for her spunky attitude and great sense of humor and made sure all who crossed her path were well loved by her teasing. Bernie enjoyed sharing her slice of heaven on the banks of Stewart Creek with friends and family and through her creative spirit made a once rustic cabin into a beautifully unique home.

Bernie is preceded in death by her husband Douglas Whitcomb, parents Herman and Rose (Sullivan) Sherfinski, brother Donald Sherfinski and many other beloved relatives and friends.

Bernie is survived by her son Scott (Marty) Whitcomb of Petoskey, daughter Angie (Pete) Canistra of Wolverine, grandchildren Jonathan (Daeun) Whitcomb, Mikayla and Lane Whitcomb, Colton (Mary) Martin, PJ and Doug Canistra, and two great grandchildren, Theodore and Suvi Whitcomb. She is also survived by siblings Christine Medaris of Tennessee, Pauline Kerr of Washington, James (Glenda) Sherfinski of Texas, Darlene Hathaway of Michigan, Georgine Harkness of Colorado, and Valentine (Marge) Sherfinski of Florida along with sister-in-laws Jean Campell-McDonald of Illinois, Gerri Stockinger and Becky Sherfinski of Michigan, as well as several beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Service times/places as follows: Friday, April 17: Visitation from 5:00 -7:00 PM at Wolverine Free Methodist Church. Saturday, April 18: Visitation from 10:00 -11:00 AM at Wolverine High School Gymnasium, Funeral Service from 11:00 AM (about an hour) at Wolverine High School Gymnasium, and a luncheon immediately following the funeral at Wolverine Elementary Cafeteria.

Those wishing to honor Bernie's memory are asked to make a donation to the Benevolent Fund of the Wolverine Free Methodist Church.

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