BERNICE IRENE RIVARD

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BERNICE IRENE RIVARD (nee Houde) With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, Bernice, of St. Eustache, MB on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at the Grace Hospital at the age of 78 years. Remaining to forever cherish Mom's memory are her husband Omer; children, Joyce Bublitz, Douglas (Vonnie) Rivard, Beverley (Murray) Thomson, June (Perry) Rivard, Linda (Rick) Bendeler, Janice (Ed) Blanchard, Cheryl (Rodney) Beaudin, Roxane (Todd) Topham, Bonnie (David) Jackson; 12 grandsons; eight granddaughters; one great-grandson; one great-granddaughter; her brother Laurent Houde; sisters, Gertie Johnson, Genieve Fast; as well as numerous brother-in-laws; sister-in-laws; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Alphonse in 1971 and Gladys (nee Picard) in 1997; five brothers, Maurice and Walter in 1930, Maurice in 1951, Harold in 1956, Robert in 1998; sister Carol in 2001; and granddaughter Crystal in 1987. Mom was born on August 25, 1928 in St. Eustache, MB, the eldest daughter of Alphonse and Gladys Houde. She married Omer Rivard on November 8, 1952 and together they raised their nine children. Mom's greatest enjoyment in life was her home and family. She always put others before herself. Mom was always volunteering herself of her many talents whether it was being involved in 4-H, figure skating, countless hours sewing costumes, cooking and fundraising to name a few. Her greatest gift was her unconditional love and always embracing the best of anyone she knew. When Mom and Dad became empty nesters they enjoyed their retirement travelling in their motor home. Family gatherings were special times and mom's physical presence will be dearly missed. Prayers will be held on Thursday evening, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, 4588 Roblin Boulevard at Grant Avenue. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Eustache Roman Catholic Church, St. Eustache, MB with Rev. Fr. Mike Nwosu, presiding. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Jason Dobson, Patrick Rivard, Tracey Thomson, Ross Beaudin, Jessica Blanchard and Vern Riehl. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Suite 200, Winnipeg, MB. R3L 0K6 or The Movement Centre of MB, 1646 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg, R2G 1N7. I'm Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savoured much. Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me God wanted me now, He set me free. Bernice's arrangements have been entrusted to Manitoba's largest Original Family Owned Funeral Service Provider: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2007