Obituary of Bernice Trahan

TRAHAN, Bernice Marilyn

February 19, 1939 – Vancouver, British Columbia

October 22, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Bernice Trahan, beloved mother, and grandmother passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the age of 84 years.

Bernice was born in Vancouver, BC on February 19, 1939. She spent her 'growing up' years in Oliver, BC. She later moved to Calgary, Alberta and married the love of her life, Donald. She then lived between BC and Alberta, with her final years in Calgary at Sage Hill Retirement home.

Bernice worked tirelessly for The Royal Bank of Canada and then moved to the Data/Tracing Centre, which later became Symcor. She was thought very highly of as both a Manager and a Supervisor, with many years working the night shift. Bernice received numerous commendations throughout her career for her patience, kindness, helpfulness, fairness, and generosity. Her work ethics were second to none, and she was greatly missed after her retirement from almost 35 years of service.

Bernice's dedication and hard work with Symcor did not take away from her being the most amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She always had time for everyone in her life and went above and beyond to ensure no one was left wanting ever, always taking less for herself, and giving everything to others! She was gracious and selfless in everything she did.

Bernice was well known for her love of animals, both real and stuffed! She always had pets in her life, be it dogs, cats, or horses and usually more than one at any given time. In her later years, she would often not be seen without some type of animal by her side. Bernice also took great joy from watching and being amongst small children. She continually marvelled at how clever and grown up they always seemed, and this always brought a smile to her face, even in her final days. Bernice had a soft spot in her heart for all animal and children's charities and we request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of these charities in her memory.

Bernice is survived by her son Donald (Ros) of Whiterock, British Columbia and her daughters Karen (Barry) Bennington of Wellington, New Zealand and Michelle (Joe) Shelton of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; her grandchildren, Samuel, Stephanie and Nathaniel; her sisters Sharon Lein, of Prince George, BC, and Patricia (Lockie) McQuarrie, of Victoria, BC as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bernice was predeceased by her husband Donald Lloyd Trahan, her loving companion Kenneth Dankowich, her daughter Lorri (Jon) Trahan-Ng of Toronto, Ontario, her parents Elsie Crane (nee Kushneryk) and Bernard Crane; her brother-in-law, George; as well as her pets; too numerous to mention.

Bernice's family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the staff at The Chateau and her amazing nurse Rebecca (both in Prince George) along with the Care Aids and Nurses at Sage Hill Retirement Home for the love, care, and friendship you provided Bernice and her family over the last 4 years of her life.

Bernice's family would like to also extend their thanks to the nurses, care aids and medical staff of Unit 81 at the Rockyview Hospital for their care and compassion during her final weeks of life.

Bernice will be most remembered for her smile, generosity and her love of animals and children.

Visitation will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Monday October 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Bernice Trahan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Click Here to View Bernice Trahan's Memorial Card