Obituary of Bernice Nicholas Chiponski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernice Nicholas Chiponski on October 19, 2023 at the Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, at age 85 years.

 

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of over 66 years Stanley; her brother Phil Podovin (Pearl); her loving children Karen, Sheila, Micheal (Debbie), Lori (Terry) and Tricia (Paul); her cherished grandchildren Christa (Jordan), Colley-Ann (Colin), Kyle (Christian), Derek (Julie) Sean (Sheena), Andrew, Eric, Chaz, Braden (Corrina); her precious great grandchildren Taylor, Bethany, Laila, Lennix, Novah, Lily, Kathryn, Kayleigh, Vehlan, Hailey, Kennedy, Hannah, Kingston, and Harley; and many other special nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

 

Bernice was predeceased by her parents Laura and Nicholas Podovinnekoff; her sister and brother-in-law Nayda and Fred Chernoff; her niece Lisa; and her nephew Rick.

 

Bernice was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan and moved to Portage la Prairie to train at the MDC as a Psychiatric Nurse, but God had a different plan.  Bernice and Stan married in 1956 and they soon started their family. Bernice moved on to work at Safeway.  While there, she wore many hats during her exemplary 38-year long career and she made many special lasting friendships.

 

Bernice enjoyed spending time tending to flowers, canning, preparing pierogies, cabbage rolls and soups. She loved to bake cookies, tarts, pies, and muffins.  There wasn’t anything that couldn’t be solved around their kitchen table.  She also enjoyed playing cards, camping, fishing, listening to old time country music, and going to the horse races. 

 

Supported by her family, Bernice persevered through 25 years of multiple cancer diagnoses, surgeries, and treatments.  Her unwavering strength and humor served as an example for everyone.  Her endearing quirkiness and quick wit, will forever be etched in our memories.  She faced each challenge with grace and dignity, earning the title our “Little Russian Warrior.” Bernice was very proud of her Russian Heritage. 

 

Our family appreciates all the care she received over the years from Dr. Finney, the Chemo department at the Portage Hospital and more recently, the Lion’s Prairie Manor.

 

The family appreciates all the condolences, food, and flowers. There will be no formal memorial service, a private family celebration of life has been held.

 

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to:

 

Sunset Palliative Care

Herman Prior Activity Centre

40 Royal Road North

Portage la Prairie, MB

R1N 1V1

 

 

 

“Love has built a bridge between her heart and ours.”