Beloved mother of Danica and loving wife of Nicholas, Bernie passed away surrounded by family on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Victoria, BC.
Bernie lived a life of courage, resilience, gratitude, and love. We would all be better people if we followed her example.
Bernie made the news when she was born, along with her sister Colette and brother Jim, on August 18, 1967 in Powell River, BC. Powell River was not accustomed to the birth of triplets, and the three new babies were celebrated with special gifts and pictures in the paper during Canada’s centennial year. Their parents, Andy and Sheila (née Lenihan) Vadeboncoeur were soon able to take the “little ones” home to their five siblings: Gerry, Anna, Alex, Kevin, and Chris.
Bernie spent some of her early life in Port Alberni before the family moved to Courtenay, where she completed elementary and high school. An influential part of Bernie’s early life was the Cystic Fibrosis Camps that she and Colette attended, where they made many lasting friendships and met their best friend of 30 years, Becky.
Following high school, Bernie attended nursing school in Vancouver. She went on to nurse at Vancouver General Hospital and Kelowna General Hospital.
The pinnacle of Bernie’s life was being mom to Danica. She was fiercely proud of all of Danica’s accomplishments and enjoyed every moment spent with her, including a special trip to Paris in 2019. Danica has inherited her mom’s deep ability to love.
One of Bernie’s best decisions was marrying Nicholas. Together, they built a happy and comfortable life of love, laughter, and support.
A relationship that Bernie particularly valued was with her sisters, especially Colette. Holidays were spent together, daily texts and calls exchanged, and Bernie always knew what was happening with Colette, and vice versa. When Bernie and Colette were joined by Anna and Chris on their annual “Sisters Trip”, they travelled to a new place, drank wine, and caught up on each other’s lives. It was time that all four sisters cherished.
Bernie’s easy-going nature and generosity of spirit attracted people to her. She had a wide, loyal circle of friends from all stages of her life. Important friends included those from Summer Camp 1977-1985; High School best friends since 1984; members of VGH nursing school class of 1990; Happy Valley Elementary school PAC since 2006; Jacqui’s Moms’ Group since 2004; Lisa & Dave, Marta & Craig, Barb & Kevin, Darcy, Jacqui & Glen, Kris, Carrie, Tracey, Jenn, Joy, Brenda & Dean, Val, Marlo, and many more.
Although Bernie never let her Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis define her, it did play a large role in her life. Following her lung transplant in April 2008, Bernie became more involved in advocacy through fundraising, education about new treatments, supporting others with CF, and holding a seat as president of the Victoria CF chapter. She also organized the CF Great Strides Walk and had her own team, Bernie’s Buddies. Bernie was the recipient of the Dawn Green Award and the Colleen Kohse Award. A gift that Bernie and her friend, Barbara Todd, left for us is a podcast telling the story of Bernie’s journey with Cystic Fibrosis and her lung transplant, Air of Optimism.
Bernie was predeceased by her parents, Andy and Sheila Vadeboncoeur, a nephew, Joshua, her best friend Becky Marshall, and PAC friend Judy Szirmay.
To mourn her loss and celebrate her life, Bernie leaves her beloved daughter, Danica and loving husband Nicholas; siblings Gerry (Lorrie), Anna (Doug), Alex (Kelly), Kevin, Chris (Rob), Colette, and Jim (Terelyne); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bernie met challenges head-on and never gave up, was thankful for every moment granted to her, and loved deeply. In her memory, we will strive to better live her values in our lives.
Bernie’s family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Royal Jubilee Hospital ICU and Dr. Antonsen, for their compassion and tremendous efforts to care for her.
Bernie will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
At Bernie’s request, there will be no funeral service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Cheryl Wiebe Vrabel
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Lenore Bernie will always have a special place in my heart. She was a true friend with an amazing sense of humour and I always loved spending time with her. My deepest condolences to Danica, Nicolas and the whole family.
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Sandra Bowes I was fortunate enough to volunteer with Bernie with the Victoria CF chapter and many great strides walks with my connection in Kin Canada. Sending love to all her family and friends. A great light has dimmed we must all step up to shine bright in Bernie’s memory
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James Reimer I met Bernie through the CF walk here in Victoria, as a person with CF who has survived two double lung transplants Bernie was a rare peer. She was always extremely kind to me and I wish we had spent more time together. It looks like she had a lot of people who loved her very much and I am so glad for that. See you on the other side, Bernie.
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Joy This is a beautiful tribute. I agree that we would all be better people if we followed her example. She is an inspiration in so many ways. She was always humble and honest and wanted to know details about your life, even when so much was going on with her. She will be greatly missed. ❤️
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Brittany olsten Was such a pleasure growing up with each other as neighbors side by side, Bernie was always so welcoming with open arms taking Danica and I to movies and letting us bounce in the trampoline for hours. I always loved hanging out at their place and having so much fun ,those memories will be cherished with me forever
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Jane Wrinch I heard about Bernie’s passing from her amazing daughter Danica, who went to school with my daughter Victoria. Bernie truly was a survivor and a top notch mother in every way. She will be missed. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Jane Wrinch
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Louise Fox I met Bernie through Lisa and Dave, her long time beloved and cherished friends. My heart broke to learn of her passing. I’m so deeply sorry for this loss of a beautiful person.
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Barb Sallis I had the pleasure of meeting Bernie through my niece lisa,they truly were the best of friends.My
deepest condolences too family and friends of this beautiful women who gave so much love and support to others, RIP Bernie ❤️
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Tierra Lynn My condolences to Bernie’s friends and family. I was lucky enough to meet her through Lisa and it was obvious to me right away how much of a special person she was.
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Conni Larsen Dear Lord Jesus please give the whole family peace and comfort and be with each and everyone of the family. Such a beautiful soul was Bernie so caring, full of life and courageous. . So sorry for your loss. Don’t have the words to express the sadness I feel. I am sending healing prayers to the whole family.
My condolences to the family. Many of my childhood memories centered around time spent with Bernie in Courtenay! We had some crazy times.