Bernadine AKA “Bernie, Deena, Deedee, Dick”
Bernie was born in Swan River, MB on July 2, 1961. (If you asked her though, she would say 1962; she had Dad fooled for years.)
As a child, Bernie had a passion for horse back riding and gymnastics. She always told us she walked on her hands more than her feet: Bernie loved helping at the family auto-wrecking business. She would hold tools for her dad, help tear motors apart and even painted dandelions and used them to stamp the nice shiny cars that were for sale in the lot. Her dad, however, wasn’t very thrilled Haha!
After dating a couple years, Bernie married Wayne on July 12, 1980. They had two children, first Travis in 1982 and then Mandi in 1986.
Bernie’s calling in life was helping others, and her career as a home care worker reflected that. She strived to break all the rules regarding “basic care” and often went above and beyond for her clients.
Bernie’s ability to find the time to juggle volunteering and her children’s activities was nothing short of astonishing. She loved helping out as a Bowsman Lion’s Club member, was part of the Swan Valley Brownie’s/Girl Guide Club, sat on countless committees or boards and was the loudest mom cheering her son on at the hockey rink. Her and dad spent countless hours driving all over the Valley taking their kids to hockey, figure skating, piano lessons, 4H, air cadets, brownies, gymnastics, basketball, soccer and more! Some nights there was multiple practices in different towns and Bernie never missed a game and some how kept it all straight! This woman had an amazing memory and could recall dates and stories with perfect detail from years gone by. Each summer the schedules were throwin out, and Bernie’s family devoted their time to camping and watersports. The lake is our happy place.
Once the kids were older, Bernie took up teaching Driver Ed. She said she was helping Dad, but we all knew she just wanted extra spending money for her addiction, green houses! Bernie and her mom Ruth were a force to be reckoned with when it can to flowers!
Bernie was a passionate woman who fiercely loved her entire family. Even after struggling with health issues of her own, she was always the first one to offer love and support to anyone in need. She truly was a remarkable woman, who will be greatly missed. A spitfire of a lady, and you could not help but love her.
Her pride and joys on this earth, her four beautiful grandchildren, have gained a guardian angel who will watch over them forever. Thank you for choosing us Mom, we love you.
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