Bernice DUFF

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DUFF: (Olive) Bernice Duff August 12th 1933 to December 16th, 2013. Whether Obie, Fudd, or Bernice, no matter what you called her, to many she was a dear friend and to a fortunate few she was family. She never wrote a best selling novel or climbed the tallest mountain but her achievements in life far exceeded these because she lived with a heart as vast and open as the prairie she grew up on. Born in Deloraine, Manitoba on the family farm to Alma and Earl, Bernice was the second of four children including Audrey, Larry, and Noreen. Bernice attended Kirkwood School and Deloraine Collegiate. Growing up, Bernice was not averse to finding trouble - and where she couldn’t find it she created it! She had the same attitude towards fun and friendship throughout her life. Later, Bernice worked as a Switchboard Operator in Deloraine before leaving for Winnipeg to do the same for King George Hospital and Bristol Aerospace before arriving at her chosen career at General Motors where she remained until her retirement in 1993. Predeceased by her mother and father Alma and Earl Babcock, sister Audrey Colquhoun and brother Larry Babcock, Bernice leaves behind many to celebrate her life including brother-in-law Jim Colquhoun, many nephews and nieces including Jim Colquhoun, Steve (Penny) Colquhoun, Cheryl (Carson) Hobbs, Lynn (Spencer) Silver, and Phyllis (Don) Morrison. Bernice enjoyed a very special friendship with her sister Noreen Coates and Noreen’s husband Jim translating into many family gatherings filled with laughter, games, and wonderful memories. Bernice learned there was no world problem that couldn’t be solved without a “wee wine”, a deck chair, and her sister Noreen nearby. The special bond Bernice had with her nephew Geret Coates (Robb Ritchie) and their son Joshua transcended the typical aunt - nephew relationship. To Geret she was “Fudd”. She was also a trusted confidant, a close friend, and an admired role model. She was always there for Geret and Robb and could be counted on for an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and a laugh to share. It is said that friends are the family that we choose. Bernice chose well. She valued her afternoon visits with neighbour Ardy (Dennis) and her long time friendships with Sue (Jack) and Jeannie (Scotty). Bernice also had a special place in her heart for her furry and feathered friends whether her dogs Haggis and Kiska or the birds who frequented the many birdhouses in her yard. Though, in her later years, Bernice experienced discomfort, she never let that take away from her three favourite pastimes: The 3 S’s: sports, spirits, and Sudoku. Her kindness had no bounds and her hugs were highly valued by those lucky enough to receive them. She would open her house as wide as she opened her heart and arms to greet you. It was the kind of person she was. And while Bernice may have never had children, there were those of us who thought of her as our “other” mom. And, while she may never have had grandchildren, there were those of us who proudly called her Gramma Fudd. The treasured staff at the Grace Hospice, to whom we are truly grateful, once wrote on the white board in her room that Fudd stood for “Fantastic. Unique. Delightful. Divine.” Bernice Duff was indeed all of these. But more than that, she was deeply loved, for a brief time she was ours, and forever she will be missed. In lieu of flowers, hug your loved ones a little tighter.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 21, 2013