Obituary of Bernice Poworoznyk

Bernice Ann Poworoznyk (nee Skrumeda) On December 28, 2009, God came to take Bernice's hand to continue her eternal life's journey in the heavenly kingdom filled with peace, good health and happiness. Although Bernice will miss her family and friends, she knows she will meet them again in God's kingdom. Bernice was born in Vita Manitoba on October 27th, 1949. She loved and appreciated being raised in the small village of Middlebro, MB until grade 10 when her family moved to Winnipeg. Bernice graduated from West Kildonan Collegiate in 1966. She attended teacher's college and began her teaching career at age 18. Bernice loved her career and taught for 41 years until being unable to continue due to illness. Bernice's teaching philosophy was to encourage her students to live by "the golden rule" of do unto others as you would have them do unto you. She wanted her students to look forward to school as a safe and happy place. Her goal was to challenge her students and help them along in both school and life. Bernice met her husband, John, at her first exciting dance in the city in 1969. They married in 1970 and raised three wonderful children, Tracy, Scott & Jonathan. Bernice's goal in life was to raise her three "precious jewels" to love one another and to be respectful to all. Bernice was a determined and well organized hard worker, both in her occupation and private life. While raising her three children, she completed her Bachelor of Education by attending night school, yet working full time. Bernice was very involved in her children's education and social life. She always supported them in achieving their life goals. Attending their sporting events was the light of her life. Bernice was one of those "loud mothers" in the stands ringing her school bell while being totally immersed in the games. Bernice loved her cabin at Buffalo Point. Nature provided her heart with peace, joy, and the feeling of a connection with God. One of her favorite pastimes was mushroom and berry picking. Bernice also loved to cook and clean. She extended her Ukrainian culture to her children by serving meals and reading traditional beliefs. Her favorite celebrations were Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving. The aroma of her meals will forever remain in our memories. Bernice was predeceased by her mother Helen Skrumeda (nee Tesarski) in 1996 and father Nick Skrumeda in 1983. We take great comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with them. Bernice was forever grateful for her parents' love and care. Bernice will be forever missed by her husband of 39 years, John, her children Tracy (Christopher), Scott (Shannon), Jonathan (Kristi), sisters Nel and Marie (Larry), niece Candace and nephews Allan and Jason, family friend Pete, loyal dogs Casper and Moses, as well as numerous family and friends. Bernice requested that thanks be extended to Dr. Daeninck and nurse Tracy, Dr. St. Goddard and the staff at Riverview. She also wished to say a final goodbye to her Tuesday afternoon support group friends. Bernice immediately loved her new friends and felt connected to each one. Also thanks to Judith for reiki sessions and spiritual advice, Irene Shapira for emotional support and Fathers Klimkiw, Skrumeda and Lukie for their spiritual support. Prayers for Bernice will be held at 6:00 pm January 1st, 2010 at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Ave. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 am January 2nd, 2010 also at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, with Very Rev. Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R. officiating. Interment to follow in Holy Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bishop Velychkovsky Martyr's Shrine at 250 Jefferson Ave., a place that brought Bernice great comfort and faith. God saw you getting tired When a cure was not to be, So He closed His arms around you And whispered, "Come with me". You didn't deserve what you went through So He took you home to rest. God's garden must be beautiful For He only takes the best. Vichnaya Pam'yat