Bernice passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 4, 2024 in Souris Health Centre at the age of 90 years.
Bernice will be lovingly remembered by her brother Don and his wife Alva Doherty, as well as her nieces and nephews Deborah Chambers, David Kohut (Wendy), Rob Brown (Corrine), Diane Deleau (Rob), Larry Doherty, Ramona Doherty (Ron) and her 10 great nieces and nephews and their families. She will also be missed by her many friends. Bernice was predeceased by her parents Tom and Edith Doherty, her sister Audrey Kohut and husband Tony, sister Marion Hintz and husband Rueben, her niece Tracy Kohut Janz and by her dear friend Barbara Clark.
Bernice was born in Souris, MB on February 26, 1933, she was the youngest of three girls and was followed by her brother. Bernice grew up in Souris and after graduating high school in 1951 she embarked on a long and rewarding career with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Bernice was stationed in seven different Canadian provinces, England, Germany and the USA, she retired in 1994 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Bernice was stationed in Nova Scotia in 1969 and very quickly fell in love with this beautiful province. She purchased a piece of property near the shores of the Bay of Fundy and built her dream home in Deep Brook in the mid 1970’s. This would be home base when she wasn’t working or wintering in Florida for the next 45 years.
Sports were always a big part of Bernice’s life, whether it be playing or watching on television. She played baseball, hockey and she was an avid golfer, curler and tennis player. Bernice enjoyed playing bridge and played it wherever and whenever she possibly could.
In November 2020 Bernice left her beloved Nova Scotia and returned to her roots in Souris, MB. She missed her Nova Scotia home and her friends there but she loved everything that Souris had to offer, especially the opportunity to make new friends and the chance to renew old acquaintances.
A Memorial Reception will be held at the Royal Canadian legion #60 for her friends and neighbors on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. A private family internment will be held in the Military Section of the Souris and Glenwood Cemetery. In memory of Bernice donation may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #60 Box 302 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to the Souris Personal Care Home c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
Rest in Peace Dear Lady
My sympathies to Don and Elva ! Also Sean Deleau so sorry for your loss!
Don and Family, Clifford and I extend our sincere condolences and we are so very sorry for your loss.
I met Bernie in 1988 when we moved to Clementsport, NS from Montreal, QC, where she had spent some time in her military career. Very soon I became her regular bridge partner and neither rain, sleet, dense fog or even snow would stop her from venturing out to play her favourite game. She loved to entertain friends and visitors and show them around beautiful Nova Scotia. Her picnic road trips with Barbara Clark and their various adventures as they drove down annually to Florida for their Winter stay, at Barb’s condo, had us all in stiches!
Bernie wore her Airforce uniform proudly serving in Canada, Europe, England and USA and toward the end of her career oversaw the Cadet camp here at Cornwallis Base, NS.
Clifford and I shared many, many “movie” nights after a delicious home cooked dinner and these will remain very happy memories.
Bernie, I shall miss you terribly, miss our weekly telephone calls after you moved back to Souris in 2020. You will also be missed by your many friends in Deep Brook, Smith Cove, Clementsport, The Saturday Breakfast Club and The Thursday Bridge Club and members of The Royal Canadian Legion, Br.122,NS. RIP my friend.
Krystyna and Clifford King
Bernie was a good friend to many here in Deep Brook NS. She was a very caring person. Bernie was playing Bridge until the end, she would be very happy about that. Our condolences to her family, David & Jean Meisner
Bernie was a very active member in our Thursday Bridge group! She was sadly missed when she decided to move out west. We were glad to hear that she was playing Bridge to the very end. RIP Bernie.
Emery & Sheila Salsman
Major Doherty, you were an absolute force to be reckoned with at the Princeton Gliding School during the four years I worked with you, 1986-1988. We had some good talks and you guided me with your sound advice. I am glad you had such a good life and I know you will be organizing things in Heaven. Rest in Peace, you have earned the right to Stand Down.
So sorry to hear of Bernice’s passing. I was fortunate to finally meet Bernice in July of 2023 when I was visiting in Manitoba. We corresponded for several years in regards to the Do(c)herty family tree, so I was so glad to finally meet her in Souris. I am sad we will not get another chance to visit but I am sure she is in a much better place. Rest in Peace, Bernice.
Your cousin,
Sandra
Sylvia and David Irvine extend their condolences to the family of their long time friend Bernie.
We knew Bernie when she was first posted to CFB Cornwallis and we were Associate Members of the Officer’s Mess. She was always the life of any party.
Later, when she was i/c Female Recruits, we renewed our friendship that carried on through to her retirement days, visiting Barb and her in Florida, joint birthday parties and movie nights. They were part of our Breakfast Club and contributed much to it’s enjoyment.
She was a woman of strong convictions, who did not suffer fools gladly. No doubt she has Heaven well organized by now.
She will be missed by all whose path she crossed.
Safe passage my friend. Always enjoyed your company; your humour and forthright manner. Now, what will you and Barb be up to? My condolences to your family. Rest easy.
My dear Aunt Bernice,
you were a special part of my life , I loved you so much and will always miss you.
I remember worrying the first time I left my kids with you as I thought you would be so strict , and you were amazing with them. They adored you and have fond memories of your babysitting times with them.
I remember the day you showed up at my home and you’d ripped the ass out of your pants and I had to sew them up. You were killing yourself laughing sitting there in a towel. I can’t remember what you were doing to cause the rip! It was just so funny because you were so funny!!
I was amazed at your caring ways and your wisdom with the young people in your charge at the cadet camps you ran in BC.
You were an amazing and generous hostess to Courtney and me when we visited you in Nova Scotia.
I loved all the stories you told and your fun loving , lively attitude .
I loved your cooking and you didn’t waste a morsel .
You had so much empathy and rarely passed judgement on others.
And I especially loved the relationship you had with my Mom. You brought so much light and happiness into her life. She loved your visits and all the things you did together. I loved seeing you together.
I love you for the support and encouragement and understanding you showed me at the most troubling times in my life. What I would have done without you I do not know.
You were a feisty firecracker!! A party Girl!! An independent woman who took responsibility for yourself and your decisions, a role model, a loving aunt, sister, and daughter. That is how you were to me.
My last fond memory of you was in July 2022 when I came home with Courtney, Riley and Madi and you were waiting at the hotel front desk full of love. You wisked Madi away to meet your friends then joined the rest of the family for supper.
The Souris hotel and residence won’t be the same without you.
I have only fond and wonderful memories of you and could not of asked for a more wonderful Aunt. Love, Debbie.
So sorry for loss to Don and Alva as well as all family. I know she will be missed but you were so fortunate to have had her here in Souris the last while to enjoy.
She had a life well lived.
Bill & Helen Hall