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Obituary of Bernice ALVEY
June 28, 1927 – Toronto, Ontario
December 26, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta
Bernice Alvey of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019 at the age of 92 years.
Bernice was born in Toronto, ON on June 28, 1927. She met Graham Alvey at the family’s summer cottage in Haliburton, ON and they fell in love. They were married in April 1949 and moved west to Wainright, AB to start Graham’s oil industry career and begin their adventurous life together. While raising three children, they made homes in Edmonton, Havana Cuba, Calgary, Brea California, Tripoli Libya, Islamabad Pakistan, London England and finally settled again in Calgary and Sun Lakes, AZ in their retirement. Each time they moved, Bernice created yet another beautiful and peaceful home for her family. Even as ex-pats, Bernice and Graham were active at the Glencoe Club throughout their lives. Bernice especially loved to play badminton and tennis and later in life, honed her skill at bridge.
Bernice was a quiet, gentle woman, aware of the abundance in her life and eager to share with those less fortunate. She gave regular donations to the Mustard Seed and the Salvation Army and sponsored many foster children over the years, following them as they grew, writing letters of encouragement and support.
Bernice is survived by her two sons and daughter, Michael (Annette) Alvey of Calgary, AB, Stephen Alvey of Pender Island, BC and Susan (Don) Chadwick of Calgary, AB; five grandchildren, Dayna, Jared, Laura, Justin and Tim; and eight great-grandchildren, Ava, Cameron, Madison, Thomas, James, Charles, Wesley and Jade. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Dolores and nephews, Tim, John, Robbie and Paul, all from Ontario.
She was predeceased by her husband Graham in 2006, mother Dorothy, father Russell and brother Tom.
A Private Celebration of Bernice’s Life will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Bernice’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the three charities that Bernice supported: the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca, the Canadian Liver Foundation, 309, 1010 – 1st Avenue N.E., Calgary AB T2E 7W7 Telephone: 403-276-3390, 1 (888) 557-5516, www.liver.ca or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca.
Susan, Michael and Stephen wish to thank the staff at Bowview Manor for the care they provided Bernice in her final years.
A tree will be planted in living memory of Bernice Alvey. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, Ab, t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403- 256-9575.
