Obituary of Bernice Mary Deurbrouck

DEURBROUCK: Bernice Mary Deurbrouck (née Rutkowski), beloved wife of the late Ovide Deurbrouck and loving mother of Catherine and Michael. Mom heard Dad calling her, and with her children by her side, she left us to be with him on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Bernice was born to Peter and Eugenia Rutkowski in Haywood, Manitoba. While there, she attained her teaching certificate and taught in Haywood's one-room school, delivering every lesson in French. She later moved to Winnipeg with her parents. There, she met Dad and they were married in 1959. She was a devoted military wife and spent eight years with Dad in CFB Shilo, capably holding down the fort while Dad was often away on duty. In addition to secretarial jobs with the RCMP and DND, she began a career with the Federal Government when Mom and Dad moved to Brandon in 1974. She worked as an Employment Counsellor for CEIC where she made many life-long friends. If Dad was the showman - Mom was the stage manager. She was content to not be in the spotlight, but preferred a supporting role. From the sidelines she supported the goals, accomplishments, projects, and musical and creative endeavours of her husband, children and grandchildren. She dearly loved her family and always provided attentive listening and patient and gentle guidance. She was famous for her amazing Sunday dinners and holiday feasts, love of cookbooks and recipes, her shopping prowess, accessorizing, and for being a loyal friend. Bernice and Ovide (Dearie and Dear) did everything together. They especially enjoyed road trips, attending mass, baseball, Albert's Bistro, cooking and hosting, playing cards, going to Minot, attending prostate cancer support group meetings, and visiting with and helping their many friends. They were always loving, respectful and kind to each other and set a wonderful example for their family. Bernice is survived by her children Catherine Moes (Jack) and Michael Deurbrouck (Lorna Gerwing), grand-children Aaron (Yoaa Parent) and Ainsley (Eagan Peters) Check, Juliane, Bobbie-Jean and Brandon Deurbrouck, and Noel (Jennifer), Will and Justin (Nevada) Moes. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents Peter and Eugenia Rutkowski, her brother Frank and sisters Helen and Olga. Mom missed Dad so much after losing him in 2015, but remained stoic and brave. Her last couple of years at Fairview Personal Care Home were made pleasant by the caring staff on the third floor who looked after all of us so well during Mom's final days. She enjoyed regular visits from her children who both live out of province. But most importantly she counted on her special "angels" who loyally visited her and tried to make her comfortable every week. Our family will never forget the love and kindness shown to her by Dianne LeClerc and Danielle Gage, Ruth Black, Linda Kennedy and Murray Gilmer, Barbara and Gary Tanner and Georgie Sommerset. Together, they brought her magazines, grapes, treats, gossip, Polident and goodnight kisses, but mostly they brought her friendship, laughter and rays of sunshine into her otherwise quiet life. Thank you to you all for being so generous with your time and so loving to our Mother. Prayers will be said at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, 327-4th Street, on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. A private graveside service will take place at the Brandon Cemetery prior to the Funeral Mass. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Bernice's memory may be made to the Westman Prostate Cancer Support Group, c/o 8 Kasiurak Bay, Brandon, MB, R7A 6H8. Mom had a very special connection with Mary the Blessed Mother and said her rosary every day. When she married Dad she chose the month of May - the Month of Mary - for the wedding, during which she honoured the Virgin Mary with a bouquet of flowers. It's fitting that mom passed during the month of May and at her funeral we will place a bouquet of flowers at the Blessed Mother's feet in her honor. Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.