Bernice Reich

Thelma “Bernice” Reich

1920 - 2025

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Thelma Bernice (McKague/Buchanan) Reich on Thursday, February 19,2025.  She was 104 years old.

Mom was born in Coulter MB on April 7,1920.  She went to grade school in Coulter MB until her family moved to the Swan River Valley where she finished grade school at the Sinclair River School.  She completed her high school education at Minitonas MB.  She often told the story of staying at Brown's boarding house in Minitonas, while attending high school, where she worked before and after school to pay for her room and board.  She said she got home on weekends as her dad, James, would arrange to make a trip to town to sell grain or a hog and to pick her up.  The eleven-mile trips were often made with a horse and sleigh or wagon, depending on the season.

She loved farm life with her family and had many stories to tell of her horse "Old Kid", her dog "Buster" and of raking hay with a team of horses.  She often laughed about as there were no male siblings she, her mother Cora, and her sisters Roywena and Marilyn would have to help with changing the hay racks and grain box from sleighs to wagon in the Spring and Fall.  This would usually end up with the girls getting into a giggling spree and her dad, with his standard remark "Women".  Even though sometimes it was tough growing up in the 30's with her mom, dad and 2 sisters, she always had happy memories.

Bernice married Don Buchanan on July 29, 1939.  They had three children Boyd, Coralyn and Kim.  Don passed away in 1961.  She married Hilbert Reich on November 9, 1963.  They were married until Hilbert's passing in 2003.

Mom lived on her own until she was 102 years old.  When her health started to decline, she moved into the Swan Valley Lodge in Swan River MB where the Staff took exceptional care of her.

Mother held many jobs during her lifetime.  As her first husband Don came from a family of butchers, he followed suit as she did.  She worked in the meat industry for many years butchering.  She worked in Administration for the Swan Valley Hospital for several years and before her retirement she was a partner and bookkeeper with Hilbert at Bert's Auto Electric.

Mom was a long-standing member of the St. Andrews United Church and a member of the choir where she often sang solo for various services.  She was a member of the School Board of the Swan Valley School Division and was the first female to be elected as Trustee in 1973.  She was also a long-time member of Rebekah's Lodge.

Throughout the years Mom and Hilbert enjoyed travelling.  Some of their trips include Jamaica, Hawaii, Florida, and many winters were spent in Texas and Victoria BC.  One very memorable trip for her was going to Holland to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Holland.  Because of her love of fishing and camping, they spent 30 plus years going to Iskwasum Landing, often going there sometimes just for the weekend or a 2-3 week stay.  She loved to spend time sitting around the campfire and fishing with her family and friends.  Mom and Hilbert also built a cabin at Benito Sub-division at Madge Lake where they hosted many large gatherings of their family and friends and made a lifetime of memories.  Mom loved animals.  Her and Hilbert owned and showed Quarter horses, and they had a number of dogs over the years.  After Mom's retirement, she discovered her love of painting and has left behind many masterpieces for future generations to appreciate.

Bernice was predeceased by her parents James and Cora (Pridgeon) McKague, husband Don Buchanan, husband Hilbert Reich, sister Roywena Patience, and son-in-law Bob Barry. 

Bernice will be lovingly remembered by her children Boyd Buchanan (Jeanne), Coralyn Buchanan, and Kim Buchanan (Leanne), her sister Marilyn Ridley, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 great great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernice's legacy is woven into the lives of those she loved, the memories she created, and the art she left behind.  Her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit will live on in the generations that follow.  Though she has left this world, her presence will forever be felt in the laughter of her family, the beauty of her paintings, and the echoes of her generosity.  She will be deeply missed but her light will never fade.

In keeping with Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at the Birchwood Cemetery in Swan River, MB on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM followed by an afternoon of fellowship and refreshment at the Veterans Community Hall-Legion Room,  Swan River MB.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Box 120 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0.