BERNICE CHAMBERS

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BERNICE CHAMBERS It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Bea on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Park Manor Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. Left to mourn her passing is her devoted son Russ (Karen), her five grandchildren Riley (Julie), Travis (Stephanie), Caitlyn, Adam and Ben, and her great-grandson Taylor. Also mourning her passing are her brothers Ronnie (Doreen), Reg (Myrtle), Claude (Sandra), and Ed (Shirley), sister Marie and brother-in-law Alf, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother Walter, and her sisters Helen and Hazel. Bea was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario on August 31, 1922. She spent her early years in Thunder Bay where she helped her father and stepmother care for her many siblings. In 1943 until September, 1945 she joined the WRENs (Women's Royal Naval Service) and was stationed in Newfoundland, Halifax and Ottawa during the war, where she served as an officer's aide. She married shortly after the war ended and had one son Russell in 1954. She worked for decades as a member of the Housekeeping Services at the Municipal Hospital in Winnipeg and loved her time spent at the nurses residence, where she became like a house mother to the nursing students. Bea was a trail blazer, and in many ways was a woman ahead of her time. She was a divorced, single working parent for most of her adult life, at a time when this was less common. She was a talented female hockey player and baseball player, and spent many years competing. She was a supporter of Green Peace in its early days and a long time animal rights activist. She fundraised for the Winnipeg Humane Society for over 30 years and was a staunch supporter of the work they do. All five of her grandchildren in their early years got to know Bea as a wonderful grandmother. She was an active part of their lives, providing child care for them all. Days when they were too sick to go to school were spent at her home in Transcona where they had tea and toast, pizza, coke and chocolate bars (all before lunch)! She loved to garden and had an amazing green thumb! It was important to Bea to stay connected to our world and world events and in her later years she always watched CNN. She followed politics and particularly enjoyed American politics and would never miss any election coverage! The family would like to express appreciation to the staff at Park Manor Personal Care Home, for the care and companionship they offered to Bea the past four years. At her request, cremation has taken place and because of her strong belief in not fussing, no formal funeral will take place. A small gathering of her immediate family took place on Friday, September 26, 2014. In keeping with her life and memory, donations can be made in her name to the Winnipeg Humane Society.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 27, 2014