It is great sadness that the family of Bernice Boivin announces her passing on Thursday, May 6 2021 at the age of 91 years old surrounded by family. Bernice was born on March 1, 1930 in Clearwater, Manitoba, she was the oldest of four, born to Alice and Earl Vandusen.
Bernice graduated in January 1952 from St. Boniface school of nursing. She worked at Crystal City Memorial Hospital from 1952-1955. She then moved and worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kenora, Ont. from 1955-1959. Next, she headed to Fort Frances and worked at the Fort Frances General Hospital from 1959-1980 and six of those years as head nurse in the OR. With another move to Nanaimo, B.C., she worked at Nanaimo General from 1980-1985, ending her nursing career back at Fort Frances General from 1985-1995.
Bernice loved her family and friends and devoted a lot of her time with them. She was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a wonderful cook and loved preparing large delicious meals for family gatherings and holidays. Bernice loved spending her time outdoors, boating, fishing, water skiing, cross-country skiing, knitting and traveling. Bernice also devoted a lot of her time to friends and family and as a caregiver to many of them. The nurse in her didn’t end when she left the hospital.
Bernice will be deeply missed, she leaves behind her son Alan Boivin (Carol) from Fort Frances; her grandchildren Rene Long (Marty), Curtis Boivin, Michael Roy (Amanda), Tammie Roy (Drew); and great-grandchildren Claire, Evelyn, Eric, Haley, Ben, Sophie, Kyla and Miles; her brother John Vandusen (Fay); nieces, nephews and friends.
She was predeceased by her brothers Gerry Vandusen and Jim Vandusen. At Bernice’s request, a family celebration will take place at a later date.
In memory of Bernice, donations can be made to the Fort Frances Community Living, 340 Scott St., Fort Frances, ON P9A 1G9.
