Bernice Elizabeth Smith (Tracey)

On the evening of June 5, 2024, with her daughter at her side, Bernice Smith died peacefully at Age Care Seton, in Calgary, Alberta. She was 79 years old. Bernice is survived by daughter, Jolene of Calgary, Alberta; sisters, Janet of Chatham, Ontario, Sharon (Rick) of Windsor, Ontario, Linda of Lapeer, MI, brother, Edward (Diana) of Port Dover, Ontario; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband William; parents, Edward and Elmire; brothers, George and Leonard. 
 
Bernice was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. She met her husband Bill while he was driving taxi. She became one of his regular passengers.  They moved west to Burnaby, British Columbia in 1969. After three years they decided to move north to Fort St. John where they became well known members of the community and where friends became family. After various jobs, Bill and Bernice ran their own property management company for several years. Bernice did the paperwork and Bill was the handyman. They welcomed their daughter Jolene into the world in 1978. Together as a family they enjoyed camping, drives in the mountains, and road trips. Bernice was involved in her church community and had various creative pursuits like crocheting and decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs. She loved to entertain and gather people together for bbq’s, dinners, and new year’s eve parties.  

In 1989, the family moved back to Ontario and settled in London. They continued working together at Glasgow Manufacturing and started each day by going out for breakfast; their favourite meal of the day. After Bill died in 2005, Bernice continued working as Warehouse Supervisor until her retirement in 2011 when she followed her daughter to St. Catharines, Ontario. Even as Bernice’s health declined, the mother-daughter duo planned many adventures. They travelled with family to Las Vegas, Alaska, and Canada’s East Coast. They planned day trips, enjoyed afternoon tea and attended many concerts.

In 2021, they moved again, this time back to the mountains in Calgary, Alberta. Bernice spent her time enjoying the view from the apartment, watching game shows and Blue Bloods, cuddling with her two pups Pandy and Jax, and reconnecting with good friends. Bernice was known for her humour, inappropriate jokes, and colourful language. Right up until her final days she was making people laugh and enjoying every second of it.

Sending gratitude to the people who cared for Bernice especially Glenda, Suzanna, the nurses, healthcare aids and Dr. Steed at Age Care Seton. A huge thank you to Mark Lalama, for your kindness and to you, Davide, and Rich for the music.

Bernice will be taking one more road trip back to Ontario where she will be celebrated and buried with her family members. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. John Vianney Church (385 Dieppe St., Windsor, Ontario) on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A Graveside Service will take place at Ste. Anne’s Cemetery (12233 Tecumseh Rd E,) following the Memorial Mass. Family and friends are invited to a Reception following the graveside service.

Memorial Donations may be made in loving memory of Bernice to a charity of your choice.