BERNICE DENNIS (HALL)

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BERNICE DENNIS (nee HALL) Helen Bernice Dennis passed away peacefully on January 22, 2011. She will be lovingly remembered by her son Brian Dennis (Lori), of London, ON, daughter Nila MacFarlane (Keith) of Winnipeg, and her grandchildren Laurel Murphy (Nick) of Toronto, Graham MacFarlane of Aberdeen, Scotland and Aimee Dennis of London, ON. Bernice was born in LeRoss, SK and with her sisters Phyllis and Maxine worked in the family hardware store while her brother Melville worked on the farm. She was a practical prairie person who always believed in keeping busy and making the best of things . After completing high school by correspondence she took Normal School training in Saskatoon and went on to teach in a number of one-room school houses in rural Saskatchewan through the depression years. Paid only a few dollars a month and boarding with the parents of the students, she had lively stories to tell of her experiences. In Madison, SK she caught the eye of the bank teller and after he obtained permission from his employer, Bernice and Ian were married in December, 1941. After the difficult times of the depression and enduring separation during the war, they appreciated the subsequent years of peace and prosperity while raising their family in Winnipeg. Her middle years were filled with family activities. She also taught kindergarten, played bridge and was a member of the Riverside Lionelles. Never sitting still, she was generous with her time and thoughtful of others. She was an excellent cook, and enjoyed a house full of people invited over for a meal and organized games. She and Ian were active members of Grant Memorial Baptist Church. She lived her Christian faith with quiet deeds of service, not wanting or needing recognition. She was devoted to Ian and faithfully attended to his needs as his health deteriorated with Parkinson's disease. In the 25 years since his passing, she filled her life with new interests and activities. She discovered story writing and joined the Word Weavers writers group. She began travelling and enjoyed numerous trips. Bernice was good humoured and curious. As her world narrowed in her advancing years she found new avenues for interest and managed to face life's restrictions with dignity. She may have been less physically active in recent years but even to the end she wanted to discuss current events and the news. She was a unique and lovely lady who will be missed. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28 at the United Church in Meadowood, 1111 Dakota Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manitoba Pioneer Camp, #4-1115 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg, MB R2G 1L4.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2011