Obituary - Bernadette Jean McCrea

Our sister Bernadette Jean McCrea, 70, of Seattle, Washington, passed at home with her immediate family and her beloved dogs by her side.

Her wish was to be cremated and that her family meet in the spring at her favorite location on the coast to celebrate her life.  

Our sister was born June 18, 1945, in Havre, Montana, to Ted and June McCrea. She was the eldest of six children.

She is survived by her long-time partner and friend, Carl Knudsen of the family home; her daughter, Patty “Trisha” Hensley; her brothers, Kelly McCrea; John (Merrylee) McCrea; Dennis McCrea (Jodi Conley); and her sisters, Colleen (Bob) Surmi and Mary McCrea (Monty Cawker);  two nephews, Ryan and Travis Surmi; three nieces, Erika Surmi and Natalie and Sophie Cawker, and her beloved blue heelers.

She spent her early years on a ranch in the Big Sandy area where she developed her love for animals. She attended the local country school where she would ride her favorite horse to school until she transferred to grade schools in Havre. Her love for animals grew from her experiences on the ranch and never wavered. To say she loved animals was an understatement. Some would say she ran a puppy foster care home for dogs who were neglected or needed a home safe refuge.  

After graduation from Havre High School, she moved to Great Falls and worked as an administrative assistant before moving to Seattle, Washington. She was an inspector for the Port of Seattle.

Early on, Bernadette was always trying to raise the bar for women. She was the first female inspector at the Port of Seattle and continually changed attitudes in her quest to open doorways for women in her field. She was defined by her advocacy for not only women but her siblings who learned from her to stand up for what you believe in.  

Our sister lived life to the fullest and regretted few decisions. Once she believed it was the best for her or her friends she saw it through to completion.   

Her passion and devotion to animals and vulnerable people, as well as her ability to see good in all things, will be greatly missed.