BERNICE MYRTLE HAYES

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BERNICE MYRTLE HAYES Celebration of Life Monday, August 16, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. St. Alban's Cathedral With only the fondest of loving memories to cherish, the family of Bernice Myrtle Hayes announce her passing on August 6, 2010. Born to Hugh and Myrtle Clemmens on September 4, 1920, Bernice lived her life in Kenora, attending Central School and Kenora High School, graduating the Commercial Program there. She shared many stories of walking to school from the far end of Park Street to High School (even in the winter) and home for lunch too. A handsome young teacher named Charlie Hayes caught her eye in her final year of High School and who could know that her commercial teacher would later become her lifelong companion. After their marriage on June 29, 1942 the war took Mom to work in a civilian capacity at Petawawa Army Base until Dad's return from overseas. On returning to Kenora, they welcomed three daughters to their family, and while allowing the girls to spread their wings, Mom was always there to support their successes or wipe away a tear. A beautiful craftsperson and cook, she knitted for her daughters and then her grandchildren with love in each stitch. Her passion for the Christmas season was obvious to anyone who visited during the holidays. Tradition was very important to Bernice, and she took pride in the decorating of not only her home, but of each lovingly wrapped Christmas package. As the female athlete of her high school graduating year, Mom always stayed fit. She curled and bowled in her adult life and showed us how much fun the family camp could be. Swimming was a very favourite sport and she continued to swim into her 80s. We always teased her that she could always run circles around us even as she aged. Many wonderful memories were created for us all at camp, in and on the lake that she loved. Always Mom's pride in life, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed her complete attention. No endeavour was ever too great or too trivial. A devoted Tawny Owl for years, Bernice gave of her talents to Brownies long after her own daughters were no longer involved. After her children were grown, she returned to work at the Land Titles Office which had been her first job after graduating from high school. Always involved with St. Alban's Cathedral, she took great pride in her work with the Altar Guild, the A.C.W., J.A., and G.A. Years later, her work as a relief secretary at the church office was ended only because of the loss of her eyesight. Predeceased by her parents Hugh and Myrtle Clemmens, brothers Lyall and Hugh Clemmens, sisters-in-law Selina Clemmens and Helen Taylor, Mom's life forever changed with Dad's (Charles Michael Hayes) passing in 1989. Failing health and diminished eyesight since 1998 forced Mom to stay closer to home, but stay at home she did, until February of this year. She was so proud of that accomplishment. A combination of her life experiences, love of reading and wisdom made Mom a remarkable resource for all of us, even up to her passing. Bernice is survived by her three daughters: Cheryl (Larry McDonald), Ardis and Michael McDonald; Leanne (Dan Bernaerdt), Gerrit (Jen) Theule, David Theule; and Maureen (Peco VanWalleghem), Bradey (Brad Lund) and B.J. Cross (Shaanen). Also surviving are seven great grand-children, her sister-in-law Lil Clemmens, and several nieces and nephews. We would like to thank her friends with whom she always appreciated a visit. Yoshiko, Gladys, Dorothy and Sandy were special lifelong friends. Thank you also to Leslie for her flowers for Mom in Winnipeg and her visits in the Kenora Hospital. The extra-special compassion of Judy Day-Janz and Jan Landsiedel - our hospital sisters - will always be remembered. The nursing angels on Second East, the physio crew, Dr. Bowerman, the hospital attendants, and the friendly housekeeping staff provided a wonderful support for us all. A sincere thank you is extended to Cory Jinkerson of Brown Funeral Home for his professionalism and his personalized guidance. Bernice was the consummate daughter, wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma. She will be missed always - remembered for her independence and strength, but mostly for her unending love of her family. Please join us for a Service to celebrate Mom's long life, to be held at St. Alban's Cathedral (Kenora) on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. with The Reverend Sandra Tankard officiating. Contributions to a charity of your choice would be appreciated, should you so desire. Online condolences may be made at BrownFuneralHomeKenora.com BROWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 14, 2010