BERNICE MERLE WILSON-REID (SKELTON)

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BERNICE MERLE WILSON-REID (nee SKELTON) February 20, 1915 - November 17, 2012 The family of Bernice Merle Wilson-Reid announces her passing on November 17, 2012. Bernice was born in Carman, Manitoba, the youngest of seven children of Alexander and Alice Skelton. Growing up in Carman, she enjoyed the joys of country living - such as carefree days swimming in the Boyne River, as well as learning life's lessons in how to live with less and thrive on it. Moving to Winnipeg to finish her high school education at Daniel MacIntyre high school, Bernice learned her strong work ethic and family responsibilities at a young age, managing a rooming house with her mother, and later caring for her mother and mother-in-law while raising her four children. Taught her expert sewing skills by her talented mother, she took great pride and care in sewing for her family, and teaching others the skill. Her last 26 years prior to retirement were spent with Sears in the Personnel Department at Polo Park, Winnipeg. Bernice met George Hartley Wilson in 1935, marrying shortly thereafter and starting their family in St. James, Winnipeg. Their hard work and Mom's financial management allowed them to purchase their own home and later a cottage at Victoria Beach, where Mom and Dad worked endless hours on both the continual cottage improvements and the extension of the garden and flowers year by year. Mom thrived on cleaning, polishing and cooking - the smell of polished floors and fresh baking from the oven - the Sunday family dinners - the birthdays and Christmas' that Mom put so much effort into making special - stand out in our minds - and these passions and traditions she passed on to her daughters and sons. Following the passing of our father in 1977, after 42 years of marriage, Mom was fortunate to have a second chance at love and marriage with Walter Reid, and their years of retirement and travel together were memorable, prior to Walter's passing in 1999. Mom was a strong and determined woman, moving forward to find enjoyment with her friends and family, and working hard to regain her ability to walk after some extreme health issues - she always bounced back with determination to be as independent as possible. Mom's last two years were spent at Golden West Centennial Lodge, and our family extends our immense thanks to all the staff of Golden West for not only the outstanding care but the genuine love they showed each day to Mom. In addition to her husbands, George Hartley Wilson and Walter Reid, Bernice was predeceased by her brothers, Leonard Skelton, Floyd Skelton, Roy Skelton, Earl Skelton, Orville Skelton and her sister, Ruby Curtis. Bernice is survived by her children, Shirley-Kasandra Van Keith-Gaul (Ted) of Halifax, Leonard Wilson (Gail) of Winnipeg, Terry Wilson (Freda) of Qualicum Beach, BC, and Caroline Poloni (John) of South Surrey-White Rock, BC, stepchildren Janice and John Reid, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. We cherish the wonderful years of love and care she showered on us, and we in turn, enjoyed giving back to her. A life well lived and never to be forgotten. No service by request. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2012