With the passing of Bernice Baeza, the Twin Cities have lost an incredible community treasure. I still cannot believe that the leading lady of Larkspur is no longer with us — that I will not see her warm and welcoming face next time I go to the Lark Theater, or that she and I will no longer plot how to clean up that vacant lot across the street! This vibrant, powerful and positive woman still had so much that she wanted to do.
The restoration of the Lark Theater was all Bernice's vision. She was the one woman tour de force who brought the town together to make it happen. To accomplish a beautiful vintage renovation of an old run-down movie house — a place which is now the very heart of our community.
The theater project was Bernice's passion for well over a decade. She moved mountains to make it happen. (Yes, of course there was opposition!) But Bernice did not give up, and gave every ounce of her energy to raising the support and the funds, and then to every painstaking detail, from the plush red velvet seats to the perfect art decco logo design.
She did an amazing job bringing her visions to life, and they have helped to create the magical small town ambiance for which Larkspur is loved. In bringing together so many people for this project, she also made us a more close knit and stronger community.
If anyone's soul goes to heaven, Bernice's is there. And if she could speak to us now, it would probably be a gentle reminder that it's time to renew our memberships at the Lark. Or that the main feature will be starting shortly ...
Love you Bernice. Rest in peace, leading lady of Larkpur!
