BERNICE GILMORE

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BERNICE GILMORE It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our dear mother, Baba, and Great-Baba, Bernice Gilmore, at the age of 82, on May 21, 2016. She will be forever loved and cherished by her children, Gary (Sharon) and Howie (Jodi); her grandchildren, Michael, Rachel, Zachary, Becca and Myles; her great-grandchildren, Lucas, Nolan and Benjamin; her sisters-in-law Les Gilmore and Elaine Paul; and her nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Mom was predeceased by her parents Mary and Alex Paul, her brother Leonard Paul, and her beloved husband, Saul Gilmore. Mom was born on November 24, 1933 in Winnipeg. From a young age she loved music. She participated in school musicals and took mandolin and singing lessons. Her singing teacher thought she had a beautiful singing voice and arranged to have her make a record. Our Zaida did not want Mom to pursue a singing career, so she moved on. However, she never stopped loving music. Years later, she would make her children, nieces and nephews and then her grandchildren and great-grandchildren smile when she sang songs to them, such as "Mairzy Doats". Mom met Dad on a date after our Baba Ruby (Dad's mom) performed some matchmaking. They say that opposites attract, but sometimes you can be attracted to the same type of person as you are. Our mom, like our dad, epitomized the word "nice". Mom and Dad were married on September 15, 1957. They started their family in June 1958 (Gary) and continued in December 1960 (Howie). Mom was born for her role of mom. We had a wonderful childhood full of fun games, activities, story times and travel. As time marched on, Mom became a baba and then a great-baba. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than playing on the floor with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom's passion was her family and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her incredible joy. Our mom loved her friends. She enjoyed her morning walks at the Garden City Shopping Centre and her coffee after the walks with the gang. She enjoyed her Saturday lunches and Saturday night dinners with friends. She looked forward to her Monday Adult Leisure sessions at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. She took pride in being a life member of Hatikvah Chapter-Na'amat. Mom loved being active. One of the best words to describe Mom is selfless. She always put her family and friends ahead of her own needs and desires, as that is what brought her pleasure. Between her family and her friends, Mom truly had a beautiful and complete quality of life. Funeral services, officiated by Rabbi Larry Lander and Cantor Tracy Kasner-Greaves, were held on May 23, 2016 at Congregation Etz Chayim with interment at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Gilmore, Myles Gilmore, Judi Gilmore, Rory Paul, Alan Daien and Harry Schwartz, with honorary pallbearer Bart Dlugosz. It was a beautiful tribute to Mom that so many people came to pay their final respects. If desired, donations may be made in Mom's memory to a charity of one's choice. Mom, you truly knew what was important in life and you would always try to pass that on to all around you. We will always love you and we will always miss you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2016