Bernice Schmidt

Virgina Bernice Gallagher-Schmidt, 92, of Elk Grove, passed away on March 02, 2025 following complications due to stroke.

Born “one of the four tough Gallagher girls” on September 19, 1932 to Oliver and Ethel Gallagher, Bernice lived her entire life in the Elk Grove area.

Bernice took pride in her work for the state of California doing data entry as well as her role as an office manager for her husband, Dr. Leland V. Schmidt, DVM at Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic.

Bernice loved flying away on family vacations in their personal plane to destinations including Baja, San Diego, and coastal California. She took delight in earning her student pilot license and shared stories of her adventures with many. Bernice spent her time caring for family, including raising grandchildren, and nieces and nephews over the years. She was a great cook who made sure nobody went hungry.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Leland Schmidt, and daughter, Kathy Schmidt. She is survived by her children, daughter Karen V. Schmidt-Provencher (Charles), son Kevin L. Schmidt (Julee), nine grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

A funeral will be held at East Lawn Mortuary in Elk Grove on March 08, 2025 at 1pm.