Obituary of Bernice Clorinda Vorrath

Long-time Santa Cruz County resident Bernice Vorrath passed away at home in Ben Lomond on November 15, 2013. Her loving son, Russ Vorrath was at her side. Bernice gracefully celebrated her 96th birthday on November 3rd despite many health challenges. Born in San Francisco to Italian immigrant parents, Bernice grew up in Los Altos, California. During her youth, Bernice loved sports, particularly swimming and tennis. She was also very involved with the Girl Scouts and continued her interest in scouting as a camp counselor as a young adult. She graduated from Mountain View High School, where she met her husband William Vorrath. Her sister Flora had married William's older brother Arthur Vorrath. Bernice worked in San Francisco while her husband served in the Navy during World War II. When the war ended, they returned to Los Altos and raised two sons, William III and Russell. In the late 50's, after discovering the Santa Cruz mountains, they bought a few acres in the Zayante area of Felton and built a weekend cabin. In 1960, Bill and Bernice moved with their two boys to sixteen acres in Felton, where they built a large secluded log home among towering redwoods. Her son Russ has lasting memories of his mother creating brick pathways and stone walls, running a chainsaw when required, and opening culverts on their private road during torrential rainstorms. Bill and Bernice moved to a home in Ben Lomond in 1971, when maintaining a large property became difficult. Bill Vorrath passed away in 1976 and their eldest Bill Jr. in 1997. Bernice was a long-time employee of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, where she held many positions, including secretary-treasurer, acting manager on occasion and retired in 1983 as district secretary to the board of directors. During retirement, Bernice particularly enjoyed the friendships she made at the Ben Lomond Senior Center. She loved to read romance novels and watch British comedies on PBS. She closely followed the San Francisco Giants and celebrated their world championships. Above all, she loved Steamer Lane. Watching the surfers with a caf mocha from Caf Pergolesi in hand was a perfect afternoon for Bernice. She remained active and interested in everyone she met, until illness forced her to do otherwise. Bernice leaves her surviving son, Russ Vorrath of Ben Lomond and grand-nephew Arthur Vorrath of Sutter Creek. Bernice was especially devoted to her mother, Anita Ielli of Los Altos, who lived to 103. A heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, for making her passing as comfortable as possible. There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.