Bernice Armstrong
Bernice Armstrong graced us with her presence for eighty-three years and passed away peacefully at Hospice House on July 2nd, 2010. Bernice was born and raised in Vernon, BC which led her husband John to call her his “Okanagan Peach” for their fifty-four years together. Bernice started out her life with John in Vancouver but lived for
most of their married life in the Cariboo, together running C&S Tire Shop, raising two daughters, June and Susan, and dedicating their lives to community and church service.
Bernice grew up in a strong Catholic family of six siblings and was predeceased by her beloved siblings: June, Tom, Eileen and Mil. She is survived by her one sister Mary in California. Bernice was also predeceased by five infant children, which was a trauma she carried all her life. She would say to her two daughters, “play with the angels” referring to their siblings who never made it to life.
Mom was a strong leader, organizer and champion of causes. She was very active with the Heart and Stroke Fund, the Williams Lake Stampede Association, Catholic Women’s League and the Canadian Federation of Artists. She supported Dad in keeping C&S Tire a viable business and was a Director of the Cariboo Regional District for many terms.
Bernice was always stylish and created beauty wherever she went. She had an exquisite eye and later in life became an artist, surprising her family with the latent talent she had inside of her. Most of all Bernice was a graceful and courageous woman. She endured numerous health crises over the past several years and faced them with determination, faith and resolve. Bernice’s family would like to thank Dr. Scott Montgomery for his exemplary care for mom and for his friendship. He made her health challenges bearable.
Prayers will be recited in St. John Vianney Church on Monday, July 5th at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John Vianney Church on Tuesday, July 6th at 11:00 am with the Reverend Father John Brioux and the Reverend Father Wladyslaw Karciarz concelebrants.
Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com
In appreciation for their compassionate care, the family invites donations to be made in mom’s honour to Kamloops Hospice Association, 72 Whiteshield Crescent South, Kamloops, BC V2E 2S9.
Service arrangements are entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, Kamloops. 250-374-1454.