Bernetta Mae Playford

Bernetta Mae Playford, of Portland Oregon, passed away December 1st at the age of 92. Born in 1933 at Good Samaritan hospital to Ralph and Violet DeLashmitt, Nettie, as she was sometimes called, was the great-granddaughter of one of the first 500 residents of Portland. She was a proud Oregonian and lifelong Portlander. The young Miss DeLashmitt attended Rose City Grade School, Grant High, and Oregon State.

She married Robert Playford in 1956 at St. Michaels All Angels, Episcopalian Church in NE Portland, where she had sung in the choir. The couple had two daughters, Kristen and Shanon. Bernetta and Bob divorced in 1985. Mr. Playford died in 2001.

Nettie worked for several years at Good Samaritan Hospital, in Information & Admitting. She then spent some years as a homemaker, before taking over Ralph’s Hollywood Florist in 1977, (which had been started by her parents in the early 30s). The business was initially run with her husband, and later with her two daughters. During this time she was a member of the Hollywood Lions and Boosters. The flower shop was sold in 2007.

Later in life, she met Francis Allegretto and they spent many happy years together. She volunteered at Travel Portland, walked Forest Park, and met many friends during the 15 years spent at the Lloyd Athletic Club. Nettie also became a world traveller, making her way to countless states & countries on every continent save Antarctica. A favorite trip was India for a month. Her last big trip (at age 85), was Egypt. She was fearless in all endeavors!

Bernetta was known for her love of the sun, live music, her afternoon cocktail, abundant jewelry, and a penchant for leopard print. She had a bold sense of humor, and loved saying anything that might shock you. She absolutely loved to laugh. Nettie was fond of the view of Mt Hood from her condo at The Fontaine, (first lived in by her mother Vi in the 70s). She was regarded by most who met her as completely unforgettable. A true character.

She is survived in death by her daughters, their respective husbands, Phil & Bradford, one grandchild, Lucian, and also Kismet, her favorite four legged friend. A sister Elizabeth, predeceased her.

Her ashes will be interred with her parents at Rose City Cemetery. A Farewell Party is planned around her birthday.

“I’ve had a good Life!” - Bernetta Mae