It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Bernarda Stegne. She passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the age of 87.

She was predeceased by her parents Vinko and Franciska; step-mother Katarina; sister Marija and sister-in-law Tatjana. She is lovingly remembered by her brother Alojz; sister Katarina (Trojan); nieces Alexandra (Ricardo), Sasa; nephews David, Eric (Sarah) and Kristof. She also leaves behind many great nieces and nephews.

Bernarda was born on July 17th, 1938 and was raised in Vinica, Slovenija. At a young age she learned to become a Seamstress.   She was unable to find work in her home town, so she moved to Ljubljana where she was a maid for a family for some time. In search of better opportunities, she crossed the border into Austria and immigrated to Canada in her early twenties with her cousin Peter.

Upon her arrival she moved in with her cousin Janko, and attained work in a sewing factory. In 1970 she sponsored her brother Alojz to come to Canada, and they lived together for some time. She purchased her home on Bowman avenue in the mid 1970's, where she lived for the remainder of her life. Bernarda was an accomplished Seamstress, not only in her career but also utilizing her skills in her daily life. She would frequently make a variety of clothing items for herself and her family. She retired from the workforce in 2004, concluding her working years at Richlu Manufacturing.

Bernarda was a devout Catholic, and had a very deep love for Mother Mary. She was a very active member of Our Lady of Lourdes parish. She would assist  with decorating the church for various seasons, ensure the altar server vestments were properly fitted and maintained, rotate the votive candles to maximize burning time. She was always busy assisting with the upkeep of the parish.

Bernarda made several trips back home throughout her life. She loved visiting her family, and spending time in her home town of Vinica, staying in the house she grew up in. In her spare time Bernarda enjoyed doing needlepoint, creating a variety of pictures over the years. Most commonly she would choose large picturesque scenes, have them framed and displayed on the wall. She also loved gardening, spending a lot of time tending to her flowers and her yard, she thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors. Bernarda was an incredibly strong and independent woman, both as a young lady, and also into her later years. She was able to maintain her household and yard with very minimal support. 

Bernarda loved and cared for her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. When the kids were growing up, the weekends were spent baking, cooking, playing games and going on various outings and adventures, with a sleepover to finish off the busy day. The kids always loved spending the weekend at Teta's house.

Mass of Christina Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 95 MacDonald Avenue.  Interment to follow at Green Acres Cemetery, Hwy #1 East & Navin Road, Navin, MB.

Počivaj v Miru / Rest in Peace