Bernice Gertrude Beres

Bernice Gertrude Beres (nee Coward), 79, passed away March 09, 2018 at home in Sooke surrounded by her family. Born November 17, 1938 in Calgary, Alberta, Bernice was raised in Lethbridge and graduated from the University of Alberta in 1962. She is survived by Larry, her loving husband of 57 years her 5 children, Randy (Michelle), Deborah, Alan (Andrea), Beverley (Jerry) and Brenda (Bius). She also leaves behind her 9 grandchildren, Brad, Ali, Greg, Maegan, Cole, Sydney, Melania, Tiw and Nick. She is also survived by her twin sister Beverley, her brother Harold (Rachel) and her sister-in-law Bev (Don) and many nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Hazel & Linc Coward, her brother-in-law Bob Latrace, Niece Lisa Coward, Niece Linda Woodrow and Nephew Lyle Woodrow.
Bernice was a high level athlete in her youth competing in Swimming, Diving, Gymnastics, Track & Field and Judo. She was also a National Gymnastics judge (Brevet [international] level) in artistic gymnastics judging for over 20 years. Bernice was Co-chair for artistic gymnastics at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria and was selected to the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame for that contribution. She won many other awards and life memberships for her contributions in the area of sport and athletics. In her later years Bernice became an ardent quilter and loved doing works of art for her friends and family. She also found time for painting and other forms of art.
During their 57 years of marriage Bernice and Larry and their children lived in 3 different US States and 3 Canadian provinces often travelling cross country in one of the 3 school buses they converted to motor homes to accommodate their large family and pets.
The family wishes to express deep appreciation for the outstanding medical care offered Bernice by a number of practitioners especially our long time family GP Dr. W. Salmaniw, Dr. M. Szeto and the entire team at the BC Cancer agency and Dr. J. Antonsen and the team in the RJH renal unit. There will be no funeral; internment will be in the family plot in Lethbridge and the family will announce a Celebration of Life in the coming months. Donations to Cancer Research may be directed to Son Alan’s 2018 “Ride to Conquer Cancer” at http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Ride/Alberta2018?px=4336113&pg=personal&fr_id=1661

Offer Condolence for the family of Bernice Gertrude Beres