Obituary of Bernice Doreen Osadchuk

Bernice Doreen Osadchuk

 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Bernice Doreen Osadchuk on August 7, 2024. 

 

Bernice was born in Steinbach, Manitoba on April 2, 1949.  Bernice was the youngest of her four siblings, and as the ‘baby’ of the family, she often got out of the hard farm chores her brother and sisters were relegated to.  She loved her life on the family farm, skating on the family pond in the winters with her siblings and cousins, playing ‘kick the can’, breaking open watermelons and watching wrestling with the family on Sundays.

 

With the early passing of her mother, Bernice moved into the city to live with her sister Lorraine and brother-in-law Peter, taking on a job at Bond and Ronalds and then Paulin Chambers. Mom talked often about how hard she worked, but also the amazing times she had with her coworkers.

 

Bernice met her husband Ronnie through family, well before they started dating in 1967. It was a lasting attraction, and they married in 1969. Together they enjoyed the smaller things in life - camping at Wallace Lake, fishing and laughing with family and friends.  Five years later they had their first child, Melanie, followed by Ryan two years later. 

 

Bernice was the absolute best mom to her children, and she loved them fiercely.  She was patient and kind, loving and supportive. Always the perfect balance of what was needed for her children.

 

In 1981 Ronnie and Bernice bought their cabin at Wallace Lake, a place so near and dear to Bernice. She could sit for hours looking out at the lake, listening to the loons. Long days spent fishing were a highlight. Many lasting friendships were created with her fellow cottagers.

 

Bernice was ahead of her time, strong and independent she tackled the world her way, looking beautiful without makeup, and carrying a water bottle with her everywhere, well before it became trendy.

 

Bernice had a true passion for animals and sports. She genuinely loved all animals, feeling they all deserved to be cared for, including the crows at the lake.  It was her three cats (Jazzer, Jade, & Milton) and Annie dog that held such a special place in her heart.

 

Mom was such a sports fan, surprising many with her ability to talk all angles of football with anyone. She was a dedicated Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan and loyal season ticket holder for four decades.  Mom devoured all forms of media that she could find about the Bombers and her passion has now carried onto her children.  When football season was over, mom would switch to the Winnipeg Jets, watching every game intently and knowing more about the team than most.

 

Bernice was the strongest person we knew, she fought hard and made the most of her time after her tragic diagnosis of advanced multiple myeloma. She was positive in the darkest times and cherished the time she had with her family and her beloved granddaughter Eleanor (her little stinker).

 

Bernice is survived by her husband Ronnie, daughter Melanie (Corey), son Ryan (Katerina), grandchildren Priscilla and Eleanor, sisters Lorraine (Pete), Adeline, Joyce (Ted) and brother Gerald (Linda). Bernice was predeceased by her loving mother Annie, father Herman and brother-in-law Ronnie.

 

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to those that cared for Bernice in her final days at Grace Hospice. Along the way many cared for Bernice at Concordia Hospital, HSC, and Riverview. To those that cared for her with love, thank you.

 

Mom, we will love you and like you always.

We are beyond grateful for who you are and all you gave us.

 

In lieu of flowers please donate to Grace Hospice, it is an incredible organization with amazing people, and they truly deserve it.  The family will hold a private Celebration of Bernice’s Life in the future.