Bernice Hoggard was “born to be a senior center director,” says Shawn Daly, who worked for her for five years before he took over her job at the Renton Senior Center.

“She really cared about people,” Daly says.

Bernice retired in 1986. She moved to Utah after the death of her husband Phil in 2003. Together, they had remained active at the senior center.

Daly met Bernice right out of college, coming to work for her in 1981. He had the opinion that he could do things better, as he says, but “you know, I never could.”

With Bernice, Daly said, “people always came first.” He remembers how he spoke recently with a woman who credits Bernice with saving her life, simply by talking to her as a friend.

Bernice meant so much to the Renton community, Daly said, but she never wanted too much attention.

During her years as director, the Renton Senior Center became a model for other senior centers. It drew and continues to draw hundreds of seniors through its doors.

Bernice died Aug. 7 in Bountiful, Utah. She was 84.

She was remembered in her obituary for her many years as director of the Renton Senior Center and the impact she made on so many lives.