E. BERNICE ASHTON, B.A.

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E. BERNICE ASHTON, B.A. (Hons) Bernice passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at the Ottawa General Hospital. Bernice was predeceased by her sister Margaret Fiddler, her brother-in-law Donald Fiddler and her parents, Samuel and Eleanor Ashton. She is survived by her nephew Bruce Alexander, his wife Linda, and their daughters, Kristine and Jennifer. Bernice was born and raised in the St. James area of Winnipeg where she received her education. She began employment with the federal civil service and shortly thereafter transferred to Foreign Affairs Canada. Bernice served in Canadian Embassies and High Commissions around the world for over 35 years, including UN New York, UN Geneva, Canada House London, Delhi, the Hague, Budapest, Oslo, Johannesburg, Cairo and Saigon. She served as a member of the International Control Commission in Vietnam from 1957 to 1960. This service was recognized in recent years by the award of the Peace Keeping Medal. Bernice received this award from the Minister responsible in a ceremony at the Peace Keeping Memorial. She was especially proud of this recognition of her service to Canada. Following retirement she continued her education at Carleton University, receiving three degrees in English, Classics and Art History. She had a strong interest in the education of her great-nieces and encouraged them to become successfully bilingual. She loved to visit her friends in Europe and family in Winnipeg, especially during the summer at the cottage at West Hawk Lake, MB. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Bernice's good friend Maureen Dawson, to Jill a very special home care worker, and to all the others who helped her maintain her independence and care for her in the hospital. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Bernice's life will be held on Monday, November 29, 2010 at the Pinecrest Remembrance Chapel (2500 Baseline Rd., Ottawa) at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.colefuneralservices.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 27, 2010