Obituary of Bernice Eva "Bunny" Battersby

BATTERSBY: Bernice "Bunny." After a short but hard fought battle against cancer, Bunny passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of August 22, 2012. Bunny was born on December 18, 1942 to parents Melvin and Eva McLaughlin of Crawford Park, MB. Bunny was the seventh child of nine children who grew up in a tiny house on the south edge of Riding Mountain National Park. Family was always important and coming from such a large family made for many fond memories of crowded houses at Christmas, early morning breakfasts on the north shore of Clear Lake and bonfires at Ditch Lake. During her fight against cancer, it was family by her side that made the difference in her days and nights. Not wanting her to be alone, her family sat vigil with her through long days and nights spent in uncomfortable chairs, and she was not alone in her final hours. Bunny spent many years hairdressing, working in several shops, in her basement at Chater, teaching at Classic Hair Styling Academy and finally starting her own shop from scratch, Erickson Haircare Centre, until her retirement from hairdressing. Never one to sit idle, she soon took up working during the summers at Sea Gulls and Sand Castles in Clear Lake. After moving back to Brandon, she started to work at Mark's and loved seeing her friends drop by, sometimes just for a visit. When retirement finally set in, Bunny would spend her time going on walks with her friends and her ever-faithful companion, Brandy. She would cheer on her grandchildren at their baseball and softball games, gymnastics and hockey. Coffee visits, sleepovers and daily phone calls from her daughter Pam kept Mom up to date. Coffee and lunches with Brent, although far between, were always spent with lots of laughs. Bunny spent years fighting for all things better for Pam and others with disabilities. She was a long time member of Brandon Community Options and was very proud of the work that was accomplished in the beginning. Bunny was predeceased by her parents, brothers Earl and Marlin and by sisters Fern Kirkby and Vivian Kelly. Bunny is lovingly remembered by daughter Pamela Battersby, son Brent (Cheryl), granddaughter Brynne and grandson Mitchell. Brother Bruce McLaughlin, sisters Eunice Scott, Margaret (Vint) Smith and Debbie (Mervin) Hall. Numerous nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends. A graveside celebration of Bunny's life was held on August 28 in the Brandon Cemetery with Rev. Shannon McCarthy officiating. Holding my hand, many times Mom would say, "Don't be sad when I'm gone." I would smile, squeeze her hand back, "I won't, I won't." I am trying, trying so hard but for now, I have to be sad.