Bernice Diner (née Morrow), age 81, a beloved resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024, at Southbridge Roseview, surrounded by family.
Bernice is survived by her siblings, Walter Morrow, Geraldine Albanese, and her twin brother Bernard Morrow; her children, Julie Diner, Sharon Dempsey (Barry), and Trina Diner (Paolo); her grandchildren, Collin Radford, Jenelle Olimb (Connor), Jessica Radford, and Selina Gunn (Geoff); and her great-grandchildren, Ryker, Kyren, Bentley, Haruki, Nolan, Nova, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Lillian Morrow (Watty), and her siblings, sister Irene Morrow, Hugh Morrow, Delores Gordon, Lorraine Bolger, and Jerome Morrow.
Bernice was born on May 8, 1943, in Hurkett, Ontario, along with her twin brother Bernard. The duo's arrival surprised their parents, Lillian and James, so much so that while Bernice got the bassinet, Bernard had to be placed in a dresser drawer.
She was raised in Port Arthur, Ontario, and attended St. Andrew’s School, St. Margaret’s School, St. Patrick’s High School, and St. Mary’s College in North Bay, Ontario. Bernice expressed many times that her Dad never paid attention to her grades – even though she was chosen as valedictorian of her class. More important to her father was that his children followed the rules and that no remarks about bad behaviour showed up on their report cards. Bernice’s twin brother ended up being sent away to boarding school after an unacceptable minor scuffle on the school bus.
Throughout her life, Bernice held various jobs, including a decade of housekeeping service at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She also volunteered with the Children’s Aid Society of Thunder Bay, where she delighted in sharing her love of baking at one of their youth homes.
Known affectionately as “the cookie lady”, Bernice’s baking was legendary. She was known for insistence on using real butter, heavy cream, and perhaps a little extra sugar, ensuring that her treats were always irresistible.
Bernice’s vibrant personality and infectious laugh left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. She had a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews, who felt free to be themselves around her.
She was a champion of diversity and inclusion, inspiring those around her to think critically, love without reservation, and stand up for justice. Bernice firmly believed adults should be allowed to love, openly and loudly, whoever the hell they wanted to.
Bernice loved to travel, often revisiting special places like Pickle Lake, Dutton, Schreiber, and O-Pipon-Na-Pi-Win ‘Winter Gathering Place’ Cree Nation – also referred to as South Indian Lake, MB. Her adventures also took her to Red Lake, Atikokan, Cochrane, AB, Minneapolis, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Virginia, and Varadero.
In Bernice’s teenage years she began to struggle with mental health. She freely shared these experiences with others. Her life journey included multiple admissions to treatment facilities for mental health and addictions. She spent time as an inpatient in psychiatric settings in Thunder Bay and St. Thomas, and attended 12-step inpatient programs three times, achieving full sobriety at 72 years of age through the Smith Clinic in Thunder Bay. The remarkable women at the ‘Stepping Stones’ after care program deserve recognition for their love, acceptance and community. Her best friend, and older sister, Lorraine Bolger (Morrow) along with her twin brother Bernard were also unwavering and non-judgmental pillars of support throughout her life.
Bernice lived at the family home on McComber Crescent until 2017 when she moved to Clarkson Heights apartments. Later she moved to assisted living at The Walford in February, 2020. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic protocols meant that family she cherished were barred from entering the facility and she was locked in her room. This caused a rapid decline in her mobility resulting in a move to Southbridge Roseview, Long Term Care in August, 2020.
The Canadian Government’s COVID-19 protocols for assisted living facilities were egregious and devastating for residents, families and staff. Bernice contracted and survived the virus at least twice while at Southbridge Roseview. During her first infection, over 20 other residents lost their lives at the care home. Bernice’s survival through the horrific conditions is a testament to her lion-hearted spirit and deep inner strength.
While her journey on this earth has ended, her legacy will resonate through her beloved daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She took great pride in her family, often marveling at the strength and beauty she helped create. May we all embody her spirit of inclusivity, her courage in the face of adversity, and her unwavering commitment to the acceptance of all people as they are.
Bernice will be sent to the afterlife along with the Timber Wolf pelt she christened ‘Hope’. May her best friend and sister Lorraine, along with her cousins Ross Woods and his wife Violet Woods, and their children Cheryl, Kevin, and granddaughter Charlene, all be there to welcome her. We know Anastasia, her beloved cat will also be there to meet her with a meow.
Internment will take place on August 30, 2024, at St. Andrew’s Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.
An informal gathering of family and friends will follow on August 30, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Castlegreen Community Centre, 213 Castlegreen Drive, Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the clinical and support staff at Southbridge Roseview for ensuring Bernice’s comfort in her last weeks and days. Special thanks to those who took extra time to care for and befriend Bernice over the past four years. She spoke of many of you by name and with affection.
Please honor Bernice’s memory through a kind act of service.
Mom, it is not goodbye, but until we are with you again.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
