July 10, 1928 – March 13, 2012
Passed away peacefully with family by her side in Victoria Hospice, after a long struggle with poor health. She was a talented and devoted mother, nurse, volunteer and animal lover (and constant whistler!). A woman of deep faith, she inspired others as she faced life’s challenges with courage, strength and integrity, putting others before herself. With a pure heart, she cared deeply about her family, friends and the poor and suffering. She treated people with kindness and respect, always trying to see the good in them. She treasured her time with family, friends and her various dogs. Predeceased by her dearly beloved parents and former husband, Tom. Survived by her brother, Richard (Mary Ann); children, Margaret (Rob), Marianne (Christopher), Brian, Maureen (Jim), Alex, Barb (Simon); grandchildren, lan, Caitlin, Patrick, Theresa, Liam, Daniel, Torin and Elizabeth; special prairie cousins and special friend, Ghislaine. Special thanks to the Palliative Team at Hospice and the kind and caring staff of Amica at Douglas House, where she lived for the past 4 years and brightened the lives of others with her piano playing.
Prayers will be offered in McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, March 17th at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Bill MacDonald in ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH, 2060 Haultain Street on Monday, March 19th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception in the Church Hall. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations may be made to Our Place or Victoria Hospice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
Whistle on Mum!
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Anne & Elsa Thogersen
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Ghislaine Duguay On a walk in lovely Victoria four years ago, I met Marg who introduced me to Barb for a french session with Torin and Liam and we have been friends ever since. Bernie adopted me right away as a member of her family and she was very assertive about it. On our way out to Barb’s numerous holiday festive meals, we had the most wonderful chats “in our car” and Bernie would whistle the mockingbird for me since she knew that my Dad always whistled that tune.
I had the privilege to be her companion in the last few months and had the most wonderful times with her. I always left her with a smile on both of our faces and she always welcomed me with joy and absolute unconditional love. Even though she had health difficulties, she shared her ups and downs with humour and together we always found a way of making it better.
She introduced me as her friend and I will always keep her in my heart as a dearest friend and be grateful for all she brought me.
What a wonderful, generous, determined woman I got to know. I will miss her, yes, yes, yes!Ghislaine Duguay
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Janet Dunlop Dear family of a very dear sole, Bernie.
I got to know a wonderful person while nursing at the RJH. She was a caring and very dear friend to me. When she was in her home, I went and saw her as a support worker and was happy to rekindle our friendaship. Glad to have seen her while she lived at the Douglas when I went for my walks I tried to pop in for tea. She was always downstairs chatting with everyone. I wish I had heard her play the piano.
I send my deepest sympathy to all of her famil who she cherished so much.
Janet and Terry Dunlop
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Paddy and Wendy McCleery Brian, our sincere condolence goes out to you and your family on the passing of your dear Mother!!
Paddy and Wendy
To the Tighe Family,
Mom and I would like to send our deepest condolences to you. We both remember your Mom as a kind and hard working person. We’ll never forget the sight of your Mom chasing Artemus down the road many times trying to get the laundry she snitched out of our back yard. We also remember how important family was to her.
You are all in our thoughts.
Anne & Elsa Thogersen (your Garnet Road neighbours)