Obituary for Bernice Smith
It is with heartbreaking sadness that we announce the passing of Bernice Smith (nee Sitch) on Nov 25, 2021 in her 78th year.
Bernice was born Oct 17, 1943 in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She was a faithful and loving daughter to the previously deceased Alfred and Alice Sitch and a beloved daughter in law to Orvin and Alice Smith.
Anyone who knew her at all knew that she dedicated her life to her family. “Bernie” met the love of her life in Thunder Bay through one of her best friends, Gail (sister to Nelson, her future husband). One look at him and she was smitten. She became his devoted wife from May 31, 1962 to Feb 28, 2000 until his passing. She was a selfless and giving mother to Robin (Shane Cassanell) Lee-Ann (Allan Cromwell) and Pamela (Michael Loeters). Although we all know Lee-Ann definitely was the favorite. Her bonds with her grandchildren Brittany (Derek), Connor (Shannon), Charlotte (Aaron), Michaela, Samantha, Alexandra, Dawson and Mason were everything to her. She was a hands-on Nanny and bestowed so much of her love and life experiences to teach her children and grandchildren how to sew, cook, bake, garden and to enjoy reading. Her great grandsons Darien and Landon brought the biggest smiles and joy to her life. She cherished many nieces/great nieces and nephews/great nephews in this area and created exceptional bonds with those in Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, Kenora and Thunder Bay. Despite the miles that lay between her and her family, she maintained special relationships and loved us all deeply.
Bernice and Nelson raised their family and lived for many years in the KW area. Nelson worked at Budd Automotive for over 30 years. Bernice also dabbled in a career at Canadian Tire on King St in Kitchener and then at Conestoga College Doon Campus. Later in life they chose small town living in Ingersoll where Bernice continued fostering her relationships, caring for her grandchildren, tending her beautiful gardens, spoiling her dogs and being in nature with all of them. She also enjoyed working out at the local gym/community center, long walks and a little travel with her best friends Deb and Sharon. When she finally did relax, she did so by enjoying hours of reading and crossword puzzles. Bernice was never too busy to drop everything she was doing to make someone feel welcome in her home, take a phone call, send a card to a friend, facetime with family members or lend a compassionate ear to anyone that needed her time and advice. She was always in service of family and friends. She has left us with so many beautiful gifts even in her passing. All of her daughters, son in laws, grand children and even her 9 month old great grandson were in her home by her side for more than a week before her spirit transitioned to reconnect with Nelson. Although she was in a deep sleep, she must have thought it was Christmas. We continued to love and support each other, have deep and meaningful conversations, laugh, cry and eat. Oh yeah, we can’t forget the food. She would have made sure we were all well nourished. She received countless calls from family members and had such an outpouring of love from her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends. Although she did not respond verbally, you could read the expressions on her face as she listened to those loving voices.
Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be brought back to her childhood home of O’Connor Township in the summer of 2022 when we can gather outdoors. A celebration will be held where we can once again honour this special lady and be supported by love, laughter and precious memories of those that knew her best.
Bernice was the most kind, generous and loving soul. She would be honoured by donations to Sakura House Hospice http://vonsakurahouse.com/ways-to-donate/
Special thanks to Dr Sondhi and Dr Freyer, Palliative Care Coordinator Erin-thank you for being our touchstone, PSW Norma for sharing your story and staying with us through our journey, Ro’nikonkatste (Bill) for your teachings, medicines and guidance in connecting us to our roots. Thank you to Paramedicine Tracy, and nurses Sharon, Sandy, Stephanie, Theresa and all those that showed so much compassion during her short period of care.
Her family is forever grateful and blessed.
Bernice was born Oct 17, 1943 in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She was a faithful and loving daughter to the previously deceased Alfred and Alice Sitch and a beloved daughter in law to Orvin and Alice Smith.
Anyone who knew her at all knew that she dedicated her life to her family. “Bernie” met the love of her life in Thunder Bay through one of her best friends, Gail (sister to Nelson, her future husband). One look at him and she was smitten. She became his devoted wife from May 31, 1962 to Feb 28, 2000 until his passing. She was a selfless and giving mother to Robin (Shane Cassanell) Lee-Ann (Allan Cromwell) and Pamela (Michael Loeters). Although we all know Lee-Ann definitely was the favorite. Her bonds with her grandchildren Brittany (Derek), Connor (Shannon), Charlotte (Aaron), Michaela, Samantha, Alexandra, Dawson and Mason were everything to her. She was a hands-on Nanny and bestowed so much of her love and life experiences to teach her children and grandchildren how to sew, cook, bake, garden and to enjoy reading. Her great grandsons Darien and Landon brought the biggest smiles and joy to her life. She cherished many nieces/great nieces and nephews/great nephews in this area and created exceptional bonds with those in Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, Kenora and Thunder Bay. Despite the miles that lay between her and her family, she maintained special relationships and loved us all deeply.
Bernice and Nelson raised their family and lived for many years in the KW area. Nelson worked at Budd Automotive for over 30 years. Bernice also dabbled in a career at Canadian Tire on King St in Kitchener and then at Conestoga College Doon Campus. Later in life they chose small town living in Ingersoll where Bernice continued fostering her relationships, caring for her grandchildren, tending her beautiful gardens, spoiling her dogs and being in nature with all of them. She also enjoyed working out at the local gym/community center, long walks and a little travel with her best friends Deb and Sharon. When she finally did relax, she did so by enjoying hours of reading and crossword puzzles. Bernice was never too busy to drop everything she was doing to make someone feel welcome in her home, take a phone call, send a card to a friend, facetime with family members or lend a compassionate ear to anyone that needed her time and advice. She was always in service of family and friends. She has left us with so many beautiful gifts even in her passing. All of her daughters, son in laws, grand children and even her 9 month old great grandson were in her home by her side for more than a week before her spirit transitioned to reconnect with Nelson. Although she was in a deep sleep, she must have thought it was Christmas. We continued to love and support each other, have deep and meaningful conversations, laugh, cry and eat. Oh yeah, we can’t forget the food. She would have made sure we were all well nourished. She received countless calls from family members and had such an outpouring of love from her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends. Although she did not respond verbally, you could read the expressions on her face as she listened to those loving voices.
Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be brought back to her childhood home of O’Connor Township in the summer of 2022 when we can gather outdoors. A celebration will be held where we can once again honour this special lady and be supported by love, laughter and precious memories of those that knew her best.
Bernice was the most kind, generous and loving soul. She would be honoured by donations to Sakura House Hospice http://vonsakurahouse.com/ways-to-donate/
Special thanks to Dr Sondhi and Dr Freyer, Palliative Care Coordinator Erin-thank you for being our touchstone, PSW Norma for sharing your story and staying with us through our journey, Ro’nikonkatste (Bill) for your teachings, medicines and guidance in connecting us to our roots. Thank you to Paramedicine Tracy, and nurses Sharon, Sandy, Stephanie, Theresa and all those that showed so much compassion during her short period of care.
Her family is forever grateful and blessed.