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Bernice Abeyta Obituary
Bernice was born on March 9, 1943 in Quincy, Massachusetts to Florence and Harry Walkup. A military child, Bernice attended 16 different schools graduating from Manitou Springs High in 1961. At 15, Bernice first talked to her future husband, Gil, through a phone prank. They met face-to-face later at a sock hop and have been together ever since, marrying in 1962.
Bernice was a beautiful, adventurous, fun-loving mother and hers was the home all the neighborhood kids wanted to visit. In July 1986, her seven-month old son, Christopher, was kidnapped from their home. Over the past 31 years, Bernice never gave up hope for the return of Christopher and through her tireless efforts made a huge impact on families whose children had disappeared or been murdered. Those families talk of Bernice's kindness, warmth and encouragement to not give up hope in the search for their children and justice.
While devoting much of her time to her search for Christopher, she selflessly raised her six other children continuing to bring joy into their lives and the lives of her grandchildren. Bernice's caring spirit and love of others infused everyone around her. Her children have continued Bernice's commitment to others; advancing the search for missing children, leading fundraising activities and actively supporting the families of our troops.
Bernice's spirit of giving continued by donating her body to science so others may benefit in life through her death. On behalf of Bernice, the Abeyta family would like to thank Mothers Of Murdered Youth, National Center for Missing Children, Families of Homicide and Missing Persons, and Detective Montez of the CSPD for their continued efforts in the search for her missing son.
A celebration of Bernice's life will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Colorado Springs Ivywild School, 1604 South Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, for friends and family from 2-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.gofundme.com/findchristopher.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernice Abeyta
Jacqueline
January 13, 2023
Scott Chamberland
January 25, 2018
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
March 4, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss. It hurts to lose a loved one and our Creator knows this that is why he promises to bring those in his memory back to life John 6:40. We can see them again.
L Gutierrez
March 4, 2017
May you find comfort in Gods promise at 1 Thesselonians 4:13-15.
March 2, 2017
My sincerest sympathy to the family. May you find comfort in the words found at 1 Cor 15:26.
Nelia A.
Ann
February 23, 2017
I am deeply sorry for the loss of Bernice. May God's loving kindness bring you peace and comfort during this sad and difficult time. Psalms 29:11
February 19, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the God of comfort support you during this difficult time.-1Peter 5 : 7
February 17, 2017
May your sad hearts soon be filled with happy memories of joyful times together. May the love and support from friends and family carry you through the pain and grief.
(Ecclesiastes 3:4, Proverbs 17:17)
STOCKBRIDGE, GA.
February 16, 2017
My sincerest sympathy to the Abeyta family.
May you find comfort in the words found at 1 Thesalonians 4:14.
Nelia A.
February 16, 2017
We are very sorry for your loss. At times of hardship, the common advice you may hear is simply "move on." But move on to where? We can find comfort in the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:10 - "Let your kingdom come." This Kingdom is real, and it brings comfort when we understand the blessings it will bring.
Debbie Stanford
February 16, 2017
We never knew this family other than through the news accounts regarding Christopher. We have a son about the same age and remember so well when this happened. We have never forgotten and remembered it many times each week. Our prayers will continues for news about Christopher to come to light. So very sorry for the loss of Bernice.
Annie Suhler
February 16, 2017
She was a beautiful woman inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. So many prayers for Christopher to be found and brought home.
Sharon Lanier
February 16, 2017
A beautiful woman who put her family first and helped others. God bless her family and friends...
Brenda Buckler
February 16, 2017
Bernice was a very beautiful person inside as well as out. She was loving, caring, giving, and will be missed by all. She leaves behind her legacy in her family. Husband, children, grandchildren and even great grand children. I am blessed to have known her. Not many angels walk this earth......Brenda Buckler
Brenda Ahlm
February 16, 2017
Your Family is in our Thoughts and Prayers. Love and Hugs to her Beautiful Family. She was the most caring and Loving person. I met her last June at the Missing Persons in Colorado and seen her again in August at the FOHMVF and she always knew who I was. She was beautiful inside and out.
What a Beautiful Angel she is now and will be Missed by so many! Love and many many Hugs!♡♡♡
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