Bernice Michael Wood

WOOD, Bernice Francis - passed away peacefully on February 20, 2014. Bernice was born in Mt. Vernon, Ill. on July 31, 1918. Bernice spent her youth moving between the USA (Pasadena, Long Beach California and S. Bend, Ind.) & Canada (Unity, Lashburn and Saskatoon, Sask.) before settling in Victoria, B.C. Bernice was predeceased by her loving husband Ted in 1975 and her sister Harriet, three brothers, Herbert, Emerson and Milton, and also her son-in-law Geoffrey Grafton. Bernice will be remembered and treasured by her daughters, Diane and Sherry and sons Ronald (Evelyn) and Robert (Julie); nine grandchildren, Karalee (Shane), Michael, Geoffrey (Leah), Kimberley (James), Danica, Chad, Nicholas (Elizabete), Brianna and Laura (Brent); ten great grandchildren, Tyler, Micaela, Ethan, Holly, Sadie, Gabriel, Sebastian, Jacob, Madison and Gavin. Bernice will also be remembered by her many nieces, nephews and close friends. Bernice made long-time friends of the many boarders housed at 1702 Belmont, in the early years of her marriage. She also ran the first licenced day care in Victoria for many years. Some of Bernices fondest memories were 'The Cabin' at Rathtrevor Beach where the doors were never locked and the stove never cooled off. Bernice moved to Dawson Creek with Ted in 1969, making new friends and learning to curl! Bernice was able to retire for the first time in her life and enjoyed sewing and baking bread. Bernice returned to Victoria in 1976 to live on the 'Gorge' where she taught all her grandchildren to swim and enjoyed card games with her brothers. Bernices last 20 years were spent at her condo, The Royal Woods, where she swam every day into her 90s. Bernice was an amazing strong woman who loved family above all else. She instilled strong work ethics in her children, filling their lives with love, good food and conversation, usually accompanied by a glass of Scotch. Her favourite things were to 'visit, visit' as she would say and watch Days of our Lives, when not listening to Ray Price or Marty Robbins. Bernice was always the familys pillar of strength. Our lives will be forever less bright without her.