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DELIA PARMELIA MARIE BERNIER Obituary pic

DELIA PARMELIA MARIE BERNIER

Born: Jan 04, 1924

Date of Passing: Oct 29, 2016

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DELIA PARMELIA MARIE BERNIER (née MEILLEUR) Our beloved mother, grandma/mémère and great-grandma passed away peacefully at Percy E. Moore Hospital on October 29, 2016, surrounded by family, after a lengthy illness, at the age of 92. She is survived by her children: Gerald (Sue), Lionel (Pat), Claude (Evonne), David (Darlene), Paulette (Jack) Mann, Jocelyne (Jon) Slough, Carmelle (Clifford) Stodgell, Noella (Brian) Rudge, Marc (Joyce), Nicole (Ron) Gagaluk, Paul (Helen), Laurent (Linda), Richard (Diane) and Michelle (Terry) Truthwaite; daughter-in-law Lynne; 32 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; her siblings, Eva Bernier and Auray (Simonne) Meilleur, also sister-in-law Alma Meilleur; numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Paul E., parents Ovide & Zéphérina (née Gauthier), son André, an infant daughter Marie, and her siblings: Theodore, Wilbrod, Célina, Ernest, Emery, Albert, Lea Raymond, Maurice, Alcide and Amanda Lagassé. Mom was born in Fisher Branch, Manitoba on January 4, 1924. She was the 10th child in a family of 13 and grew up a self-proclaimed tomboy. Her motto was, "if the boys can do it, so can I." She took great delight in scaring woodchucks from the wood piles and rabbits, by crawling into their warrens and waiting until they hopped back in. Even then, she loved to tease and laugh, enjoying life in all its simplicities. She completed her school years at the North Meridian School finishing Grade 8. As a teenager in the Great Depression, she was taught never to throw anything away. Recycling back then was something not just the right thing to do, but essential for survival. By 1942, Mom left home to work at the St. Boniface General Hospital during the Second World War. There she worked in housekeeping and delivered test results for the lab. During that time she was dating the love of her life, Paul Bernier, who was working for the military in Winnipeg. Although she had a great desire to join the Canadian Army, Paul wouldn't hear of it. They were married on July 2, 1945, one month after VE Day. Over the span of 20 years, they welcomed 15 children into this world who were her greatest achievements. They had children in school for 31 consecutive years! She took great delight in raising a huge household, loving and nurturing us until her final days. She was an active member and executive of the CWL, Legion Ladies' Auxiliary and Immaculate Conception Cemetery. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crafts, gardening, feeding birds, playing cards and curling. She enjoyed trips with Dad within Canada and around the world. The snowbirds spent 14 winters in Palm Springs, CA, with Mom's last trip being in 2013. But her greatest love was her enjoyment of family and friends. Everyone was welcome at the Bernier household. As with everything, she undertook the challenges of life with strength and determination, and with an unfailing love for her family and God. An avid storyteller, she could recite detailed events from many years past as though they were yesterday. Her gift of telling jokes, making her fun to be around. Her inner spark and zest for life was second to none. Mom also was adept at managing a house full of kids, where no actually meant no. But she left no doubt in our minds of her unconditional love. We are in great part who we are today, because of her. The family would like to thank the Adult Day Program, Fisher Branch Home Care, Fisher Branch Personal Care Home and Percy E. Moore Hospital for their kindness, warmth and compassion. We are deeply grateful to all the staff for making us feel at home in the Palliative Care Unit for the past four months. Many thanks to all those who performed such acts of kindness with a visit, a hug or a kind word. Prayers will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, Fisher Branch, on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. and a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immaculate Conception Cemetery or the Percy E. Moore Hospital Palliative Care. Funeral arrangements in care of Fisher Funeral Home 1-204-372-6803.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2016

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

  • I'm so sorry I didn't know Great-Aunt Delia passed until now. My mom passed in 2015 along with my dad and 2016 was busy. My deepest condolences. I had the pleasure of spending time with her only a few times in my life, but they were always memorable times especially how she had fun with my grandma Lea, sometimes at her expense, just a little. The last time I saw her was at Lea's funeral, a sad time made jolly by storytelling. She will be missed, but thankfully her sense of humor and joy in small things has also been passed down. - Posted by: Jennifer P. (Great-niece) on: Dec 05, 2019

  • Mom always said that she strove to be just like her namesake, her aunt Delia, who worked hard but also knew how to have a good time. (Mom's godparents were Moise and Delia Meilleur.) Well Mom, as Oliver M. said to you, "You succeeded". - Posted by: Jocelyne (Bernier) Slough (daughter) on: Nov 09, 2016

  • Our deepest condolences goes out to my cousins on the loss of auntie Delia. Mark and I were so very fortunate when we came out at the end of September from North Carolina to visit family that we were able to see her. She greeted me with a beautiful smile and a hand wave. I loved her dearly and will miss her. - Posted by: Pauline Meilleur-Jamison (Niece ) on: Nov 06, 2016

  • My deepest condolences to my family during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Great Aunt Delia will be remembered forever in our hearts. - Posted by: Laura-Lee Robertson (Great Niece) on: Nov 05, 2016

  • Sending my condolences to the family. - Posted by: Thomas family in Peguis (Friend ) on: Nov 04, 2016

  • I am sorry We have heard My birthday 58 years old . We are sad . I missed Bernier Family Thank you - Posted by: Daniel Klus (Cousin dklus) on: Nov 04, 2016

  • Aunt Delia was always such a delight to be with! She was a great listener, good story teller and an even better jokester! Our condolences to the Delia Bernier family. - Posted by: Anègle & Alcide DeGagné (Niece and nephew) on: Nov 04, 2016

  • Dan and I send our sincere condolences to the all the family. Your mother was always a pleasure to be around. She was loved by so many. I will always remember her laugh. She was a strong and courageous lady. Take care. - Posted by: Lori and Dan Gagaluk (Friend) on: Nov 04, 2016

  • Our sincere condolences to the Bernier & Meilleur families. May God grant her peace & eternal rest as she joins her loving spouse and other family members in His Kingdom. With sympathy , the ( Arthur) Gregoire families - Posted by: Noella (Gregoire) Gagne (cousin to Paul) on: Nov 02, 2016

  • Gerald, Sue and family, our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. It sounds like she lived a huge, long and wonderful life. You can't beat that! - Posted by: Marcel & Mary Normandeau (Friends) on: Nov 02, 2016

  • We have very fond memories of your Mom, her sincere smile, her great stories and her joi de vivre. May the Lord comfort you all in this time. We will be unable to attend the services, but will keep you all in our prayers. - Posted by: Harvey & Ada Vandersteen (Long time friends of family) on: Nov 02, 2016

  • My sincere condolences to all. I have very fond memories of Aunty Delia. She was always smiling and joking and was the kindest person. She will be missed. Rita - Posted by: Rita Meilleur Brown (Niece) on: Nov 02, 2016

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