Obituary of Bernice McDonald

McDONALD: Constance Jean "Bernice" (nee Wareham), aged 94, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Riverdale Personal Care Home. Bernice was born August 7, 1922 at 22-12-20 in the RM of Daly, the home of her parents, Walter and Gertrude Wareham. She received her education at Robinville School and Transcona Collegiate then took teacher training at Winnipeg Normal School - later teaching at Verity, Lothair, Mayne, Harrow and Rivers. On October 29, 1949 she married Glen McDonald of the Mayne District in the RM of Daly, and moved to his home farm where they raised livestock and produced grain. During these years three daughters were born: Brenda, Mayvis and Carol. In 1966, the family moved east of Rivers and continued to grain farm. Tragedy struck a few short years later when Glen was killed in a car accident. With the help of family, friends and neighbours, Bernice remained on the farm until her move to Rivers in 1987. She remained in her home there until failing health precipitated her move to personal care in 2013. Throughout her years, she was active in the Kirkham's Bridge and Rivers WI and Hospital Auxiliary, Hunter Club, Rivers & District Highland Games, Rivers 4-H Club and the 50-Plus Club. The Harrow community, and her friends and neighbours there, always remained close to her heart. Bernice loved family gatherings, dancing, travelling and crib – teaching all of her children and grandchildren to play. Bernice was predeceased by her parents, husband Glen, brothers Walter, Martin and Charlie (Nora); sisters Emily, Marjorie (Joe) Zaharia, Nell (Jim) Kelly, Lil (Al) Johnston, Rosa (Ruggles) Brown, Edna (Ray) Chapman, brothers- and sisters-in-law Alex McDonald, Angus (Marie) McDonald, Wally McDonald, and Eleanor McDonald. She is survived by her three daughters: Brenda (Allan) Hill, Mayvis (John) MacLellan, and Carol (Jim) Fortune; by her seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren: Robin (Connie) Hill, Cody, Jaylin and Ricki; Allana (Kevin) Lewchuk, Jordelle and Logan; Rory (Jacqueline) MacLellan, Violet, Christian, Azaliah and Mikkel; Ryan (Brittany) MacLellan; and Dane MacLellan (Chloe Lyon); Ian Fortune (Melissa Chichlowski) and Maxton; and Blair (Blair) Fortune. She is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law Marg McDonald, Jack (Peggy) McDonald and Lloyd McDonald, and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Bernice's life was held Thursday, February 2 at Rivers United Church with Rev. Glenna Beauchamp officiating. A special hymn, meaningful to the family, was read by Mayvis. Granddaughter, Allana Lewchuk, gave the eulogy, and each grandchild then shared a personal memory of their Grandma. Bernice was laid to rest in Brandon Cemetery with her six grandsons as pall bearers. Her great-grandchildren each presented a daisy. Donations in memory of Bernice may be made to Prairie Crocus Regional Library, Box 609, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 or Rivers United Church, Box 444, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 or to a charity of choice. Life's work well done.