On September 14, 2014, at the Grandview District Hospital, death released her from the struggles of life reaching the age of 59 years. Death was caused by complications of Multiple Myeloma.

Bernice grew up on her parents farm near Elma, Manitoba. She enjoyed her childhood and youth years, often mentioning the memories of being part of a large, active family. She received her formal education at the Stony Hill School, and the Whitemouth Collegiate.

At the age of fourteen years, Bernice surrendered her life to Jesus. This experience transformed her life, and gave her a settled peace that she treasured and maintained throughout her entire life. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on January 21, 1968.

In May of 1977 Bernice and I, Rodney, joined hands and hearts in matrimony, sharing life together for over thirty seven years. We established our home in the Grandview area of Manitoba and enjoyed country life on the family farm until the time of her passing. Our home was blessed with three sons and one daughter. Bernice filled her place as a wife and mother with unflinching fidelity, and showed us where the true values of life could be found.

In 1988, the church called me to the ministry, and Bernice accepted her part of the responsibility, faithfully standing by with timely encouragements and constant support. Her love for the congregation and the community gave her inroad to many hearts.

The family was very precious to Bernice, which she expressed by taking a personal interest in the welfare of each one of us. About a week before her passing we enjoyed a supper around the fire with all the children, grandchildren, and a few close friends. There was a peaceful contentment radiating from her countenance, coming from the depths of her heart.

Bernice lived life to the fullest, not allowing adversity to rob her of the blessings of life. Accepting the diagnosis of cancer almost thirteen years ago was difficult, but with her faith anchored in God, she carried her burden without complaint. Her latter years were fraught with pain and suffering which she patiently endured, leaving us with the challenge to follow her example. Her cheerfulness and thankfulness in spite of affliction was often an inspiration to us. During the last several months, as life became more restrictive due to failing health, she expressed her desire to "fly away" to her eternal reward. Her request has been granted, but it leaves our hearts with a deep, aching void.

Those left grieving, yet with fond memories are her husband, Rodney; three sons; Darwin and Nadine, Trevor and Jasmine, Colin and Shannon, all of Grandview, Manitoba; one daughter Rachelle, of the home; seven grandchildren; Kylan, Brennan, Jed, Adrian, Emma, Jacy, and Jax; Mother in law, Ruth Froese of Grandview; four brothers; Ted and Averill of Norquay Saskatchewan; Phillip and Sandra of Elma, Manitoba; Melvin and Edith of Ste Anne, Manitoba; Peter and Anne of Elma; seven sisters; Susan and Wayne Froese of Grandview; Martha of Whitemouth, Manitoba; Alfrieda and Phil Martin of Rio Verde, Brazil; Laura and Kevin Boese of Macon, MS; Josie, Blumenort of Manitoba; Louella and Bill Holden of Hinton, Alberta; Rosalie and Darcy Loewen of Delisle, Saskatchewan; one brother in law; Dale and Dessie Froese of Grandview; four sisters in law; Lois and Peter Reimer of Grandview; Julia and Calvin Friesen of Roblin; Lucy and Jeff Penner 0f Tatamagouche, NS; Audrey and Maynard Friesen of Leamington, Ontario. Sawyer Elliott and Kaylee Penner also held a very special place in Bernice's heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her father in law, one brother, and one sister.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 19, 2014 at 10:30 AM at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Grandview, Manitoba. Casket bearers were Shawn Penner, Merlin Froese, Lonnie Penner, Sheldon Reimer, Korwin Loewen, and Wendell Friesen. Officiating Ministers were Dennis Barkman, Greg Isaac, and Ken Goossen.

The Interment Service took place in the church cemetery with Minister Randy Bartel in charge.

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

Roblin’s Only Locally Owned

and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

nairn-chyzfuneralhome.com

A year of daily grief support

Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for a year. You can unsubscribe at any time.