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EVA MARIE BERNIER
Born: Jun 26, 1925
Date of Passing: Mar 02, 2022
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EVA MARIE BERNIER
Peacefully on March 2, 2022 at the age of 96, Eva Marie Bernier fell asleep in the assurance of the Resurrection and in the faith of God's mercy.
She was predeceased by her husband Roger in 2005; her parents, Ovila and Zéphérina (née Gauthier) Meilleur; her brothers: Théodore, Wilbrod, Ernest, Albert, Emery, Maurice, Alcide; Auray; and sisters, Célina, Lea Raymond, Delia Bernier, Amanda Lagassé; and grandson Nicholas Truszynski.
Holding her in loving memory are her children: Raymond, Gilbert (Deb), Roland (Donna), Rolande (Bob) Chernichan, Laurette (Ted) Truszynski, Rene (Janet), Leo (Susan), Suzanne (Cameron) Moore, Jeannette (Jameel) Ali, Guy (Kathe), Alain (Lorene), Denis (Brenda), Monique (Stuart) McCune; special daughter-in-law Valerie, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister in-law Simonne (Auray) Meilleur, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Mom was born June 26, 1925 on the family homestead in the Meridian district of Fisher Branch. She attended and completed Grade 8 at North Meridian School, where she acquired her love for learning, beautiful penmanship, and a relentless work ethic from a childhood poem "Do Your Best". Her motto was "Don't count your work." She took grade 9 by correspondence and spent her adolescent years being farmed out to help older married siblings who had young families. Her aspirations to become a teacher or nurse brought her to Winnipeg where she worked in housekeeping at St. Boniface Hospital. A lasting impression that she passed on to her children was that one's bed had to be made daily with taught sheets, fluffed pillows and hospital corners.
In June 1947, Eva married Roger Bernier and together they journeyed through a lifetime of farming and loving devotion towards each other and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mom put faith and family first. She had a special devotion to Divine Mercy, was an active volunteer in the church, sang in the choir, and taught Catechism. She was proud of her charter membership in the Catholic Women's League for over 50 years where she served often on the executive, and where her passion supporting pro-life initiatives was realized through countless layettes she crocheted for newborns of unwed mothers.
Mom was an excellent cook, and made it look effortless to put together a meal for 4 or 20 with barely a moment's notice. Mémère is fondly remembered for her homemade bread and for the cinnamon buns and baked treats she knew her family liked. Visitors would often be given a loaf of bread to take home with them as a gift. Mom believed her stove was like an altar, where she served God by serving others the food she had lovingly prepared.
Our Mom lived hospitality. Together with Dad, their home was never too small to welcome one more to their table; they were never too busy to ignore someone in need...there was always "room at the inn". Their home 'adopted' novice RCMP officers and young adults in need of a mother's touch. They welcomed parish priests and visiting bishops and Sunday meals often included additional relatives and friends. Mom's kitchen was alive with banter and laughter when she hosted perogy pinching parties for CWL fund raising. That same kitchen hosted many teenage dance parties, curling teams, hockey teams, and countless card parties with friends and family.
Mom loved to sing French songs and hymns while she worked. She delighted in bouncing her baby grandchildren on her lap and hum or sing to them "Vive la Canadienne". She enjoyed singing along to country music on the radio and being part of the senior "Songbirds".
Mom's hands symbolized her life that was centred on faith, family, food and friends. Her hands milked countless cows, worked tirelessly in the garden and prepared an innumerable amount of meals. They washed mountains of dirty diapers and greasy work clothes and scrubbed floors and walls until they were red and raw. She scaled many a frozen fish, butchered meat, plucked chickens, hauled water and prepared vegetables and fruit for canning. Those same hands that were quick to swat a wayward child were also the ones that so lovingly caressed and coddled many a newborn. Mom was creative and loved sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was an accomplished seamstress, often making patterns for clothes. Her hands that were called upon to sew a torn swather canvass or mend a tattered pair of coveralls could also turn out remarkable dresses and other clothing for her family. She sewed elaborate wedding gowns, fancy dresses, figure skating costumes, baptismal gowns as well as many of Dad's work shirts. Her hands that tirelessly knitted woolen mittens and stockings for her family's comfort were also the ones that created delicate exquisitely crocheted doilies. Her rosary and a deck of cards were lifelong companions. Mom's hands were the instrument by which she put her faith in action. Most importantly, at the end of every day her hands came together in prayer, and she never failed to give thanks to God for all the blessings of her life.
The family acknowledges with heartfelt appreciation, the devoted caregiving that Mom received while at Fisher Branch Personal Care Home. The staff are truly 'angels' among us.
Special thanks to a dear friend, Fr. Paul Bisson, who will celebrate the Mass of Resurrection on Monday, March 7, 2022 at 2 p.m., followed by interment in the parish cemetery. The Mass will be preceded by viewing at 1:00 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Fisher Branch, MB. Eva's adieu will include an honour guard of CWL sisters.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice. In accordance with current Covid protocols, wearing of masks is mandatory in the church.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
FISHER FUNERAL HOME INC.
In care of arrangements. Fisher Branch, MB
204-372-6803 or 204-372-6271
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2022
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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I am very sad to hear about aunty Eva's pass. She will always be a lovely person in all hearts and will always be remembered by family and friends. May her soul rest in peace. - Posted by: Lily Meilleur (Single) on: May 26, 2022
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Dear Rolande, Suzanne, Susan, and members of the Bernier Family: My sincere sympathy to you on the passing of your dear Mother (Mother-in-Law) Eva. I enjoyed her regular and informative newsletters from the C.W.L. Fisher Branch Council when I was Provincial President. She was a faithful and enthusiastic member of the C.W.L. and I valued her presence at many of our conventions. I know she is proud of her family upholding her legacy in the C.W.L. Prayers and Blessings upon you all, Beatrice Gross, Brandon - Posted by: Beatrice Gross (Friend) on: Mar 30, 2022
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Sincere sympathies to the Bernier family. Romeo and I always enjoyed visiting the Bernier family during all the large celebrations. We would park our trailer on their property and enjoyed their hospitality. I thought the obituary was very true to Eva’s life and character. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cécile St Amant - Posted by: Cécile St Amant (Cousin to Romeo (deceased)) on: Mar 06, 2022
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Our deepest sympathies to the whole family. She was a wonderful gift to all who met her. Amazing. What a beautiful tribute to your Mother. Jacquie Puranen - Posted by: Jack and Jacquie Puranen (Friend) on: Mar 06, 2022
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Our sympathies to all the Bernier family at the passing of Eva. (Barry) During my early service with the RCMP, while stationed at Fisher Branch (my first posting), the Bernier household became a true home to me and a colleague. Many laughs and happy times. Eva was the real matriarch of the family as well as a a generous and faith filled life. Eva gave so much through her journey of life. She is now at peace with Roger. - Posted by: Barry and Marilyn Dunn (Friends of Family) on: Mar 06, 2022
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Condolences to Eva's family and friends. She and dad shared many laughs and memories during their say at the Fisher PCH. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Sheila Tabin (Traa) (Acquaintance ) on: Mar 06, 2022
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Our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Darlene & Dave Bernier (Nephew) on: Mar 06, 2022
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My condolences to the entire family on your loss. You were truly blessed to have her with you for 96 years. May here memory live on forever in your heart. - Posted by: Brenda Tesch (Friend of Laurette) on: Mar 05, 2022
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Remembering a kind and wonderful person. My condolences to the family (especially Laurette) on the loss of your Mom. Rest In Peace Mrs. Bernier. - Posted by: Janet (Schmidt) Day (Friend ) on: Mar 05, 2022
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Many memories of this beautiful person. Her fresh bread with aromatic scents wafing from her open window in the kitchen. Her laughter and joy for life were contagious. My regret is putting off visiting her with her invitations. I let life gets in the way and put off visits to the town that always feels like home. Love you auntie. Rest in peace. - Posted by: noel meilleur (Great nephew) on: Mar 05, 2022
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Our condolences to the Bernier Family. - Posted by: Darryl and Kim Halipchuk (Past co-worker) on: Mar 05, 2022
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Eva was always a welcoming visitor when she visited our church with her children that lived in Lorette! Her smile and her ability to pass on the the joy of life to others was a gift! - Posted by: Heather Hacault (Friend of the family ) on: Mar 05, 2022
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Please accept our condolences to all the family. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Wishing you peace, comfort and love in your time of sorrow. - Posted by: Zobida and Rudy Ambtman (Jeanette’s in-laws) on: Mar 05, 2022
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So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Karen Ciemny (Kon) (Friend ) on: Mar 05, 2022
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I met Eva and Roger the week I arrived at my first posting, Fisher Branch. I was invited to visit the Bernier “kids” and I must admit, at 22 I was not enthusiastic about seeing some young children but this new cop went along with the suggestion. Turns out the “kids” ranged in age from around 24 to 5 years and there was lots of them. My decision to make this visit changed my life. Both Roger and Eva welcomed me into their home with open arms, rescuing this young lad from his lack of washing ability (all my whites had turned pink for some reason) and providing healthy and hearty meals to improve on restaurant fare. There was no place to eat on Sundays! Amazingly, I was only posted to FB for seven months but due to Roger and Eva’s love and caring, a bond was set which united them with my family in Nova Scotia. I can never repay Roger and Eva for what they have done for me. My life is richer and my world a better place because of my good fortune to visit the Bernier “kids”. Now Eva has once again joined Roger and they are enjoying their just rewards in Paradise. God Bless all those in their grief caused by the huge vacuum left behind by Eva’s passing. - Posted by: Allan (Wayward Mountie) on: Mar 05, 2022
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I just learned of Eva's passing. What impressed me as a child was Eva's confidence, her high energy level, her faith and her many community activities that she relished. I have enjoyed, along with my late mother and perhaps a sibling, coffee served with delicious fresh baking. These memories are unforgettable to me and I am sure are shared by many others. My deepest sympathy to the family and close friends of Eva Bernier. I will have a Mass said at St. Leon's. Angie Caners - Posted by: Angie Caners (Friend) on: Mar 05, 2022
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