BERNICE C. CUNNINGTON (JOSIE)

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BERNICE C. CUNNINGTON (nee JOSIE) Peacefully on August 30, 2001 at the Womans Centre at Health Sciences, Bernice passed away at the age of 92. Bernice was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Reginald Cunnington. She will be lovingly remembered by her son Henley (Cheryl), granddaughter Lindsey, grandson Ryan of Winnipeg and brother Gordon H. Josie of Vancouver. Bernice was born on August 7, 1909 in Winnipeg, where she attended Daniel McIntyre High School. She attended the University of Manitoba where she took an active role in extra-curricular activities including a membership with the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1930, with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Geology. After graduation, she worked at Great West Life Assurance Company where Bernice met her future husband Reg. They were married in January 1943. During the Second World War Bernice worked as a chemist for Eatons research bureau. In addition, she set up a library in Ottawa on tanks and armored fighting vehicles. At the end of the war the young couple were transferred to Calgary, Sudbury, and Detroit, where they lived for 15 years before returning to Winnipeg in 1965. During these years, Bernice became affiliated with the University of Womens Club and the Penhandlers Group where she made many lifelong friends. Her passion for writing began at age 12, when she wrote an article for a local newspaper. She enjoyed a long freelance writing career which included writing for two suburban newspapers while in Detroit and winning first prize in a Writers Digest short story competition. Over her writing career, Bernice had more than 100 articles of varied subjects published in 25 periodicals (including Macleans and the Financial Post) in both Canada and the United States. Even in her later years, Bernice continued her keen interest in developing ideas for future articles. Bernice was a loving and caring wife and mother who always looked forward to spending time with her son. As a grandmother, she enjoyed watching her two grandchildren grow up and developed a special relationship with each of them. The family would like to thank the many personal care attendants who supported Bernice in recent years, and the hospital nursing staff at Health Sciences Centre over the last few weeks. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway. I remember listening To your stories from the past How I sat mystified Hoping to make each minute longer than the last How you would always Indulge my curiosities And taught in life There are limitless possibilities. My memories of you will never fade Because I know where to find Your love and your wisdom Are in the words you leave behind. So be at peace Grandma You no longer have to fight Let Gods loving hand Guide you to the light. -Lindsey Cunnington THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2001