BERNICE (BRONISLAWA) LISMER (OBIREK)

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BERNICE (BRONISLAWA) LISMER (nee OBIREK) Passed away peacefully on October 29, 2002. Beloved wife of the late Frank Lismer and caring mother of Florence, Ted, Angela, Gordon and Marion. Born December 29, 1907 in Ruda Rozaniecka, Lubaczow, Poland to Jan Obirek and Maria Stachurski, Bernice immigrated to Canada in 1929 and settled in Melrose, MB where she met and later married Frank Lizakowski on February 11, 1930. Survived by Florence Vickers (Paul) of California with Sherri and Ellen, Ted Lismer (Wanda) of Winnipeg with Sonia, Gloria, John, Thomas and Nancy, Angela Clune (Jim) of California with Billy and Gordon, Gordon Lizakowski (Karen) of California with Julie and Scott, Marion Holochwost (Don) of California with Travis and Kerri, and numerous great-grandchildren. Also survived by her sister Susan Farion of Poland, Susans daughter, Marie Lis (Marion) of British Columbia, her nephew Zenon Lisakowski (Joanna) of Winnipeg, and her niece Kay Sulyma (Wally) of Winnipeg, who deserves special thanks for her many devoted visits of care. With her husband, Bernice farmed in Melrose until 1969 where they raised a family. They were active at St. Michaels Parish, Cooks Creek, MB where Bernice delighted in singing with the church choir. In 1969 they moved to Seven Oaks Avenue in Winnipeg where Bernice lived until 1999. From 1999 to her passing, Holy Family Nursing Home became her home where she received exemplary and loving care. While in Winnipeg, Bernice and Frank were members of the Holy Ghost Parish. Bernice was a person of prayer and deep spiritual faith, well-versed in the scriptures and a regular church goer, encouraging her family in these ways. She loved to advise and guide. Her love of flowers and birds was reflected all her life in the extensive, colourful and varied gardens of her homes. The birds attracted to her feeders often created the atmosphere of an aviary. She continued to revel in the plentiful flowers and birds at the Holy Family Home. Bernice was very sociable with an engaging personality steeped in self-confidence. She loved company and her home was always an oasis of generous hospitality. She had a special fondness for children, that even those who were her neighbours would drop in on "Baba" for treats and conversation. Her intense zest for life carried through to the end. Although confined to a wheelchair and at 94 totally dependent on others for her every need, she nonetheless often confirmed that she was still enjoying life and was not ready to call upon the Lord to take her away. She was very satisfied with the care she was receiving at Holy Family and enjoyed her final months listening to music on her radio, praying, and welcoming visitors. She considered her long life a blessing from God. Her family is very thankful for the loving care she received from all her caregivers and professionals at the Holy Family Nursing Home during the past three years. It was her wish that the family gather from near and far for a reunion on the occasion of her passing. Bernices life was honoured at a family dinner at Rae and Jerrys as we reminisced about this most colourful Mom and Babczia. At her request, a private funeral service was held. Mass of the Resurrection was offered on November 4 by Fr. O. Antoni Degutis, O.M.I. at Holy Ghost Parish, followed by burial at Holy Ghost Cemetery. Pallbearers were her grandsons John and Tom Lismer, Billy and Gordon Clune; sons-in-law Paul Vickers, Jim Clune, Don Holochwost; and nephew Zenon Lisakowski. May eternal light shine upon Bernice and may her soul rest in peace. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 09, 2002