Bernice READ

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READ: Bernice Loreen (nee Daniel). Known by many as Bea, was born July 18, 1926 in Virden, Manitoba to Mary McLeod (Daniel) and Nelson Daniel. She passed away peacefully on September 7, 2010 at Northumberland Hills Hospital after a short re-occurring battle with cancer. She was the youngest of 5 children; her sister Myrtle Daniel (Hayhurst) and brothers Wesley Daniel, Norman Daniel, and Doug Daniel. She was raised by her oldest sister Myrtle as a part of her family, due to the untimely death of her mother. Bea was loved like a daughter and was raised as such. Within this family there was Jean Madison, Howard Hayhurst (Margaret), Gordon Hayhurst (Betty), Neil Hayhurst (deceased), and Freda May (deceased). She will be forever loved and remembered by her husband Major Angus Vaughan Read, her children Marilyn - deceased (Rob), Loreen (Jim), and Brian (Kym), and her grandchildren Nicole, Tim, Graham, Kate and Cassidy. Anyone who knew Bernice personally, knew of her caring nature and drive to help those in need. Not only supporting her family, especially her grandchildren in sports and school, Bea was always putting her own needs second, as she touched the lives of many people through her career in nursing and her generous volunteerism. Bea had two nursing lives, one with the Military and the other as a civic nurse. The military took her places such as Winnipeg (Marilyn born 1952), Regina (Loreen born 1955), Edmonton, Shilo, and Fort Churchill. It also took her around the world to places such as Germany, (Brian born 1957). As a civic nurse she was involved with the Saint John’s Ambulance and was awarded the Officer of the Order Saint John – 1985, Presented by the Governor General. With the Victorian Order of Nurses she was inducted as an Honorary Life Member – 2009. With the Canadian Cancer Society she was awarded the Service Award for 20 years of service in 2010. She was a Past President of the Lioness Club - 1978, and a Past President of the Inner Wheel – 1991 to 1992. She was continually involved at St Peter’s Church as the 1st Chair of the Health and Healing Committee, Friends at 10, and many other roles within the local Church. Bea was a wonderful storyteller and loved to reminisce about growing up in Manitoba, her earlier times in Cobourg, and her nursing career (Graduated Virden Collegiate Institute (1945), Graduated Brandon General Hospital (1948) – RN, Graduated University of Alberta (1965) – Diploma in Public Health). Her passing is a sad time for friends and family but also a time to celebrate her full and well-lived life. The family would like to thank everyone who has supported them through this trying time. Visitations will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King Street East, Cobourg, on Friday, September 10th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held at St. Peter’s Church, King Street East, Cobourg on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 1:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Bernice Read Nursing Scholarship, Canadian Cancer Society, St. Peter’s Anglican Church, or Saint John’s Ambulance will be gratefully accepted. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 09, 2010