It is with broken hearts, our family announces the passing of Bernadette (Bernie) Martin at the Souris Personal Care Home on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the age of 98.
Bernie was born on the Lobreau Farm in the RM of Cameron on August 20, 1924. Bernie attended Bede School and told many stories of riding horse and buggy with her 7 sibling to school. On November 12, 1952, Bernie married John and had a productive farming life together for 59 years, thus celebrating their 100 years farm designation in 1998. Bernie found great pleasure in preparing home cooked meals while farming was being done. Rural farm life for Bernie was special, which meant hard work and countless happy memories, raising children, milking cows, raising chickens, having an impressive garden, canning, sewing, picking cactus in the Lauder sandhills and special overnight visits from family. Bernie’s pastimes included the odd bingo game, word searches, lottery tickets, casino trips, her love of game shows, hummingbirds and bird watching, and card games with friends and neighbors. She was an avid sports enthusiast and regularly watched her children’s sports, and most recently fell head over heels for Bo Bichette. Go Jays Go! She was an avid member of the Catholic Women’s Auxiliary and a pillar in the surrounding community. More importantly she was a great mother and grandmother.
In 2011, Bernie and John made their home in Souris, where they made many new friends. Bernie spent the last 9 years in the Souris Personal Care Home, continually following her French traditions of giving out “Beks”.
Bernie was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 2015. Remaining to forever cherish her memory are her children: Claude (Diane) Martin, Lionel (Bernie) Martin, Val (Darcy) Dunbar and Gail (Travis) Martin. Grandchildren: Bryce (Megan) Martin, Andrea (Derek) Rothnie, Dillon (Erin) Dunbar, Mylen Dunbar, Riley (Bailey) Feser, Kalli (Tyler) Campbell and Shea Martin; Great-Grandchildren: Asher and Aria Rothnie, Jaxon and Jett Dunbar. Sisters: Leona Usunier and Rita (Louie) Robert.
The family would like to extend many thanks for the care and compassion given to Bernie by the doctors, staff, and palliative care staff at the Souris Personal Care Home.
Bernie was laid to rest next to her husband in a private graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider the Grande Clairiere Cemetery Fund, Box 149, Hartney, MB, R0M 0X0, or to the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund, c/o Prairie Mountain Health, Box 10, Souris MB, R0K 2C0.
Heaven gained a beautiful Angel ! Our sympathies to all of Bernie’s families! Bernie will always be a special lady to me , she gave the very best “becs” ever !
So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the family.
To Claude ,Lionel,Val and Gail – I’m so sorry about your moms passing but man what a nice long life ! You all must be exhausted as I understand you were by her side last 2 weeks or so! Keep your memories close,
Our sympathy to the Martin families.
Claude, Lionel, Valerie and Gail
Our sympathy to you and your families at this sad time. Your Mom was a great lady and a wonderful neighbour, so many memories growing up and many lovely visits with her continued over all these years. Sending hugs to you all.
Kim and Graham
Gail, Claude and Family,
Sincere condolences from Glenn and Arlene.
Condolences to Claude, Lionel, Val, Gail and families. Sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and such a good friend and neighbour to Mom and Dad. Thinking of you all during this sad time.
Marla, Alan, Coyle, Dalton and Leif Wilson.
Claude, Lionel,Val and Gail and families. So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a special lady, i so loved visiting your home in my youth. It’s hard to lose your mom, but you have all the great memories forever.
Jacqi
Our deepest condolences to the family on the their loss. Our thoughts are with you! Linda and Claude Rainville
May peace and comfort find you all at this sad time.
Our thoughts are with you.
Bev and Harv Lyons
Claude,Lionel,Val and Gail and families. It’s hard letting go of our loved ones but know she is at peace now. Hold all your fondest memories close to your hearts. Memories will comfort you all at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Our deepest sympathies to all your families take Care all
So sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Our angels will be looking over us always.
Val, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She left a legacy with her kids and grandkids.
Jerry Araujo
My sincere condolences to Bernie’s family. She was a beautiful lady. ❤️
Val, Gail, Claude and Lionel – we are so sorry for your loss and send sincere condolences at this time.
She was a great lady.
To the Martin family
Keep the memories of times gone by close to your heart. They will help to sustain you as you get used to life without Bernie. She has left a different memory with each of us.
Bruce and Sharon Evans
Our sympathies go out to all the Martin families who are saddened by the loss of Bernie. So many great memories to be cherished! Caring thoughts to each of you!
My deepest sympathies to Claude, Lionel, Val, Gail and Families.
Sending our deepest sympathies to the Martin families on the loss of your mother Bernie. Keep your memories close. They are your comfort in the days to come.
Claude,Lionel,Val,Gail and Your Families — So sorry for your loss. Bernie was a gem. We have many happy memories of Martin -Phillips family adventures. Sincere condolences- A Mother’s love is forever!
My sincere condolences to all of Bernie’s family.
My condolences to the extended Martin family. Your mother’s good nature and kind heart will live on for generations.
Claude, Lionel, Valerie and Gail… there is so much family history that goes back years. My Dad and your Grandfather served together in WWI, and were close friends until Henry passed away (I remember my Dad crying as he polished his shoes to go to the funeral). I remember how happy your Mom always was, and always had a smile and a hello for friends. My Mom loved her and your Dad.
Let all those memories enfold you in the days, months and years to come…
Condolences to all of Bernie’s family. Most, I do not know, but I
do remember Leona. My Mom Jessie Morden who lived in Hartney Man. had attended Gould School with Bernie’s Mom, Rosa Lobreau, many years before. I remember wearing, with pride, a warm winter coat, one of the clothing donations from Bernie, to our family. Her kind gesture meant so much to us! A few years ago my sister Shirley (Murray) Hagyard, and my husband and myself, had a wee visit with the Martins at the Home in Souris. My cousin, Bernie’s long-time friend, Donnie Drummond happened to be there also. Great time of reminiscing! Great family Bernie was so proud to talk about. Keep the memories strong! Blessings! Edith (Morden) Tarbet, Barrhead, AB (formerly Hartney).
Dear Val, Claude, Lionel, Gail and your families,
We are thinking of you as you honour your Mom.
You are her legacy – such good people.
❤️
Sincerely,
Pam Whitfield and Ralph Whitfield
Thinking of all of you on the passing of your mom/ grandma.
I’m sure the cards will be out as our parents unite.
Take care of each other.