BERNICE HERD
Peacefully, on February 14, 2021, Bernice Herd (Badali) passed away at home at the age of 90 years.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Laurie, Jeff, Cathie (John Denomme), Mary (Bill Redekop), Anthony (Darlene), Clare (Russ Macsymetz), and Karen (Ken Mytruk); her grandchildren Sarah (Jason), David (Signy), Maeva, Shani, Ethan, Tim, Jacob, Kathrine, Michael (Christine), Nathan (Chauntel), Matthew (Alanna), Bethany (Christie), Stephen, Kelsey, Adam (Laura) and Kyle (Cori); and her great-grandchildren Remy, Flynn and Jonas.
Bernice was born in 1930 to Gus and Nina Badali, and lived most of her life in Winnipeg. Her cousin, Pat Olsen, was also an only child and they became like sisters. In school, she met the love of her life, Jack Herd. They married in 1951, and were best friends and soul mates for 58 years till his passing in 2009. Together, they raised seven children in the family home in Transcona – where they made many great neighbours and friends.
Bernice was the consummate caregiver. Her nurturing extended beyond her own children, often to their spouses or significant others, grandchildren, neighbours, friends, and extended family members. She was always quick to offer a meal, baking, sewing or a ride to shopping or appointments. Bernice was active in the Catholic Women’s League and their parish church, St. Joseph the Worker. She often helped with the annual church bazaar or serving at funerals. After being a stay-at-home mother for many years, Mom went out to work part-time at Peoples Jewellers and the Bay. She stayed active by gardening, taking University courses in Italian and History, travelling, feeding her birds and Gracie the squirrel, doing Tai Chi with Jack and her favourite hobby, babysitting and spoiling her many grandchildren.
In later years, Bernice cared for her father, mother and aunt Lucy as they all faced illnesses. She was our rock, and took extraordinary care of our dad when he was diagnosed with Diabetes and later, Alzheimers. Even after knee replacement surgery and a heart failure diagnosis, she was active and continued to live independently with help from special people like Angie Nieckarz and Mel Stewart. She enjoyed her visits and calls with her cousin in Vancouver, Carol Engler. She especially enjoyed watching her Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Health Sciences Centre Emergency, Concordia Hospital, Palliative Care Services, and special family friend, Win Torchia, for her friendship and daily check-in calls. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Good-bye my family, my life is past.
I loved you all to the very last.
Weep not for me, but courage take.
Love each other for my sake.
For those you love don’t go away.
They walk beside you – every day.
E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
ejcoutu.ca