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BERNICE RUTH BLAKEMAN (LINNEY)
Date of Passing: Jul 16, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
BERNICE RUTH BLAKEMAN
Her career started in the office and ended in the classroom. While working at Wawanesa Insurance, Bernice received her Bachelor of Pedagogy degree at 42 years of age. She then began her teaching career in Winnipeg's School Division #1 at Champlain, Ashland, Lansdowne, John M. King, William Whyte, Prince Charles, Norquay and Wellington schools.
A gifted singer, Bernice acquired her ARCT Degree in Performance and Singing (Toronto Conservatory). She shared her voice with Manitoba Opera, the Philharmonic Choir, James Duncan Singers, Oriana Singers, Seniors Chorale Society, and was soloist at a number of churches. Bernice also entertained at the Hollow Mug, Rainbow Stage, and on CBC Radio and Television. She taught singing and, for those who couldn't sing, Bernice taught driver training part time with the CAA Manitoba Motor League.
An avid traveller, Bernice visited Alaska, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, the Caribbean, many parts of the USA and coast to coast in Canada. It was in Calgary that she met her husband Godfrey, with whom she shared almost 25 years of marriage before his passing in 2011. They lived at her Lakeshore Heights cottage where she taught ceramics for several years before moving back to Winnipeg.
Bernice joined the Jubilee Chapter #27, Order of Eastern Star in 1976, and was also a member of Pine Falls #56, Selkirk #35, Jephthah #22, and Queen Winnipeg #1. Over the years, she was Worthy Matron, Grand Trustee, Worthy Grand Matron, and Grand Representative of Wyoming and Arkansas. Bernice was also a Past President of the Khartum Shrine Ladies Auxiliary.
Special thanks to friends and family (including all siblings and in-laws - deceased and alive), who provided support and assistance during Bernice's life.
A memorial service will be held at the Masonic Memorial Centre (Osborne and Corydon) on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at 2:00 p.m.
"I hope I left my mark by helping others, doing good deeds, and being of some good
to family and society."
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 05, 2019
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I was a student of Miss Kinney's at Champlain school in 1978-79 and 1981-82. She was my favorite teacher and I loved her music class. I miss her dearly but I have nothing but fond memories of her and her class. - Posted by: Nicole Moller (Luder) (Student) on: Oct 22, 2019
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I am so sorry to hear of Bernice's passing. She became a good friend and we would have some long talks. I will miss phoning to say good morning too. She was a wonderful lady and I will miss her. I pray the family will find peace, God be with you all - Posted by: donna hartie (Friend/Sister Star) on: Oct 22, 2019
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My deepest condolences to the many friends and extended family members of Bernice. Bernice and her sister Grace sang in my mother's choir, The Triphonic Singers from 1947-1957. Later Bernice and I were music specialists in our respective school divisions. I loved hearing her stunning voice at Seniors Choral Society concerts where I would often present Winnipeg Music Festival trophies to the choir. Bernice and I had a lovely visit prior to the June 2nd Seniors Choral Society concert. Her lifelong commitment to teaching, singing in many churches and other organizations, her dedication to the Order of Eastern Star and the Khartoum Shrine Ladies Auxiliary will be sadly missed. No doubt she will be training those angels in heaven to sing with great enthusiasm! - Posted by: Morna-June Morrow (Long time music associate) on: Oct 05, 2019