BERNICE ELAINE ZEKE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BERNICE ELAINE ZEKE Passed away October 24, 2004 after a second battle with cancer. She is survived by daughter Diane (Murray) Martin; sons Dave (Judy) and John (Kate) grandchildren, Nicholas, Adam, and Kyle Martin, Paul, Laura, Rachelle, and Paige Zeke; great-granddaughter Isabella. Also survived by brother Lloyd (Fay) Groves; sister-in-law Betty (Denay) Philip, an aunt, nieces, and nephews, and several cousins. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Walt; parents Bill and Viola Groves; brother Arnett Groves and sister-in-law Kaye Groves. She was born November 12, 1932 at the Groves family farm south of Carroll, MB. Received her education at Carroll school, Brandon College, and Wheat City Business College. Started working at the Bank of Montreal in Brandon in 1950 and she and Walt were married May 2, 1953. In 1960 the family moved to Neepawa and bought Garland and Wilson Jewelers, which was their first store. She became bookkeeper and continued in that capacity for almost 25 years while they expanded their business. She enjoyed reading and liked to travel - she had been on two cruises and a bus trip through the Maritimes and also many bus trips to numerous casinos. She was active in the community - was on the Fine Arts Festival executive for 10 years, during which she provided piano accompaniment for numerous band instrument students - one year she only had 67! In the church she was a unit leader when the U.C.W. was first formed and also taught Sunday School. She enjoyed golfing and curling, and helped organize many tournaments and bonspiels - became a life member of the curling club in 2000. The last few years she delivered Meals on Wheels. She was a charter member of the Neepawa Lionelles and a member of the United Church and Royal Canadian Legion. She enjoyed music, dancing, playing the piano and organ - she and Walt enjoyed many times playing violin and piano duets. She enjoyed working outside and was very proud of their big yard, which she was able to maintain with much help from her faithful yardman and his family. Funeral was in Neepawa United Church October 28 with Rev. George Cargo officiating. If friends desire, donations may be made to the Central Plains CancerCare Services or Neepawa Palliative Care. Neepawa Funeral Services in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 1969