Bernice ROLLO

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ROLLO: Bernice passed away on December 5, 2014 at Hamiota Hospital with her family by her side, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Doris Bernice Rollo (Heslip) was born April 22, 1935 to parents Sam & Alma Heslip near Pheasant Forks, SK. Mom was the eighth child of twelve and was raised with her siblings Edna, Muriel, Nellie, Jim, Mary, Violet, Lawrence, Florence, Stanley, Ira and Nelson. Bernice married Russell Rollo on December 23rd, 1952 and together they worked on their farm to make a living for themselves and their nine children, Richard, Sam, Donna, Bill, Delmar, Doris, Dianne, Brenda and Sylvia. Throughout her life Mom knew what it was like to work hard. While she raised her family she milked cows and separated the cream, tended a big garden, and canned and froze the produce to feed her family, cleaned the barn, carried the wood in and the ashes out, carried water, and hung the clothes outside to dry, both winter and summer. She washed and hung diapers times nine. Mom never complained about her work load, but rather would state she “was one of those hard working farm wives.” Mom never learned to drive as she was always at home with her children. Five of Mom’s biggest thrills were getting a clothes dryer, electric stove, gas furnace, hot water tank and getting the running water into the house. Mom really deserved these amenities. Mom loved to have company and never sent anyone away hungry. If she knew anyone was coming for a visit she would be up early cooking. Her biggest joy in life was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren coming for a visit. She enjoyed birthdays, graduations, going for a ride in a new vehicle or even just for a drive. Mom had no favorites, everyone was treated the same and equal. Everyone was always welcomed with a smile. Mom had an amazing memory for dates. She remembered everyone’s birthday, not only immediate family but extended family and friends as well. Mom was predeceased by her parents, several siblings and brothers and sisters- in-law, her husband Russell, her sons, Sam, Bill and Delmar and grandson Derrick. She is survived by her children Richard (Brenda), Donna (Dave), Doris (Bob), Dianne (Barry), Brenda (Ross) and Sylvia; by her grandchildren Michelle (Tony), Amanda (Ken), Cassandra, Ryan, Travis, Bryan, Katrina, Brett, Jesse, Taylor, Adrienne (Cody), Ben, Kayla and Courtney; great grandchildren Abi, Edelawit and Chace; by her sister Florence and brother Nelson; her sisters-in-law Sylvia, Betty, Elise and Annie and brother- in-law Neil (Darlene) and by many nieces and nephews. At Bernice’s request a private family service was held at Miniota Cemetery with Linda Clark officiating. Donations in memory of Bernice, may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, P.O. Box 2248 Stn Main, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 9Z9.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 20, 2014