Bernice, the youngest daughter of Art and Laura Bradshaw, was raised on the farm in Pine Torch district with siblings, Don, Ed, Phyllis and Ron.
She attended Pine Torch and White Fox School. Upon completion of high school and secretarial course was employed at Bank of Montreal and RM of Torch River.
Bernice and Stan Smith were married in April, 1960, and like gypsies, moved around to construction sites and bush camps. They farmed in the summer and spent winters in Prince George over the years. A very busy life, they raised a family of five; Andrew, Larry, Gordon, Anna Maria and Darlene. When Andy started school, they bought a house and settled down on their farm West of White Fox.
Bernice was always a very proud, loving supporter and transporter for her children, to 4H, hockey, ringette, ball games, everything they were involved with. She always had a huge garden, raised her own chickens, and could whip up a hearty meal in short order! She loved playing ball, berry picking excursions with family and friends, card games, working part time at the library, and working with, and for Seniors, and the Museum.
For many years she worked at Nipawin Hospital, taking leave of absences when garden produce was harvested and processed. She and Stan would then load their vehicle with the fruits of their labour and go to Prince George for the winter months.
Bernice channeled her “empty nest” into a quilting room, where her skill and expertise made each quilt a work of art. People would return year after year; they loved her work. The post office did too!
She was a devoted caregiver to Stan in his battle with health issues. She remained on the farm after his passing, still growing a big garden and sawing and splitting wood. She enjoyed the wood fire.
A decline in Bernice’s health last fall necessitated a move to Prince George, to be with her family. We mourn her loss, but she’ll always be with us in loving, cherished memories.
Bernice was predeceased by her husband Stanley (2011), grandson Jordan in (2010), brothers: Donald (1976), Edward (2019), Ronald (2004) and parents Arthur and Laura Bradshaw.
Bernice is survived by her sons: Andrew Smith (Kim), Larry Smith, and Gordon Smith, daughters, Anna (Marvin) Howard and Darlene (Ron) Shelke, grandchildren: Stewart, Jaqueline (Tyler) Smith, Ashley Lakusta (Ryan), Amanda Kee (Daniel), Boyd Smith (Cassandra), Amy Smith, Mike Olkanych, Shayla Dingwall, Courtney Dingwall, Michelle Dingwall (Dan), Brittany Howard (Carter), Kyle Smith, Sarah Shelke, Juliann Shelke and Lanie Shelke, great grandchildren: Linden, Harper, Aiden, Brady, Brooklyn, Max, Dawn, Ava, Austyn, Lehnyn, Ronan, Fayda, Verrick, Xander, Brandt and Briar.