The grand old lady of Amway, Crown Bernice Hansen, has passed away, aged 101. From her obituary in the Grand Rapids Press –

Born on August 1, 1911 to Wheeler and Sadie Stevens-Hancock, Bernice learned to love people, horses and “kitties” at a very early age while living on the family farm in Coopersville. Known for always having a smile on her face and words of encourage for everyone she met, Bernice was a pioneer and a visionary. She blazed the trail for many as one of the original Amway Independent Business Owners, was one of the founders of the American Way Association, and played a key role in shaping the Amway business for millions of IBOs and distributors to follow. But Bernice was also a wife and mother, a grandmother and friend, a mentor and a philanthropist. She loved to travel the globe and found a special place in her heart for Ireland. Her courage, passion and undaunted energy were an inspiration to all.

Bernice was featured last year in a story in Amway’s Achieve magazine. I encourage you to read it – An Amway Pioneer – Bernice Hansen