BERNADINE ANNE HANSSEN

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BERNADINE ANNE HANSSEN With great sadness we announce the passing of Bernadine Anne Hanssen (nee Carrette). She is survived by her loving husband Fritz (Godefridus); and children, Michael (Arel), Theresa (Garry) and Darlene (Lawrence); and grandchildren, Beth and MacKenzie; also left to carry on is her mother Elizabeth Carrette; and brothers and sisters, Don (Sharon), Neil (Paulette), Alice (Ken), Jim (Jodi), Liz (Troy); and an army of nieces and nephews. We are fortunate to have Bernie being welcomed into heaven by her father and father-in-law with her brothers and sisters that will be overjoyed to see her. Bernie was born September 17, 1943, and grew up in Prairie Grove, MB, and was the oldest of her nine brothers and sisters. She grew up on a farm about one mile away from Deacons Corner and enjoyed the responsibilities of being the oldest. After high school she started working for the hospital commission where she met a coworker's brother named Fritz. Fritz and Bernie were married on July 20, 1963, and enjoyed the early years of their marriage. In 1969 life changed drastically with the birth of their son and starting a new business. The next 30 years would bring working side by side at the garage Careway Auto Service and another two children. Bernie was known for her cheerful smile, her words of encouragement and her quiet strength. Fritz and Bernie did some vacation traveling through the years and were lucky enough to get to Paris, London, Rome, Mexico and Hawaii and made many friends in their travels. Through the years many pastimes were enjoyed - Mother's Day was typically known as the official docks in at the Redboine Boating Club and another boating season had begun. This meant evenings would be spent on the docks, having supper with the waves lapping against the boat and sitting in this tranquil spot until twilight. Many seasons were enjoyed with this pastime. With semi-retirement fast approaching they decided to turn in their life jackets to hit the open road and a new age had begun with the motor home and Friday trips to watch the racing in Grand Forks. This is about the time she became more active in the Canadian Dutch Society and became the person to hand your money to as you entered the Dutch Pavilion. In '97 a dawn of a new era had begun with grandchildren arriving. Bernie loved being grandma and looked forward to babysitting her granddaughters and spending time with them. Bernie was one who lived life to its fullest and made a difference with every life she touched. A special thanks to our good friends George and Judy Ferris - you are both a blessing - and Dorothea Bater for holding Mom's hand and looking out for her - to all the friends and family that stopped by to show Mom how truly loved she was. We would also like to thank the Palliative Care Unit nurses, doctors and the homecare workers that assisted us at the end. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Cancer Research Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3G 9Z9. Funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Koryluk at the St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Pl. in River Heights, on Friday, August 5 at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment of Bernadine's cremated remains will take place in the Queen of Heaven Columbarium, Assumption Cemetery following the mass. Mom, you will be missed. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements. 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2005