Bernice Marie (nee Karstad) Ogryzlo passed away peacefully at home in Saskatoon, SK, in the company of family and friends, on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the age of 78. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Tim (Carla) Ogryzlo and Stephanie (Csaba) Barabas, her five precious grandchildren, Samuel, Gabrielle, Natalie, Theodore and Alice, her brother Bernard (Shirley) Karstad, her sister Beatrice (Walter) Lukye, her brother-in-law Peter (Christine) Ogryzlo, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Bernice was predeceased by her beloved husband Paul, parents Carlyle and Mary Karstad, brother Bertram Karstad, stepmother Helen (Pederson) Karstad, niece Heidi (Lukye) Vicary, nephew Jeffery Lukye, as well as other extended family members.
Bernice was born on November 30, 1941 in Melville, SK. Her childhood was immersed in life around the family farm outside of Atwater, SK. Her studies began in Atwater, where she and her siblings travelled to their one room school behind Pet, the family horse. The family moved to Saskatoon, where she finished high school at Nutana Collegiate before pursuing further studies and graduating as a Registered Nurse from the Saskatoon City Hospital School of Nursing. Bernice established many lifelong friendships during her training with the Class of ’63.
She followed adventure to Calgary where she met her lifelong love and partner, Paul Ogryzlo. They were married on August 23, 1971. Their journey followed Paul’s career in Geology to Winnipeg, Val D’or and back to Calgary before settling long-term in Saskatoon.
Bernice fully embodied her role as an R.N., even once she gave up formal positions in the hospital in order to raise her children. For several years, Bernice spent extended periods minding the children on her own while Paul was away working in the north. She embraced the reality of marriage to a Geologist. The independence she possessed during these early years was an indication of the strength and resilience she exuded in all facets of her life until the end.
Bernice’s life revolved around her family, her friends and her communities. She was the backbone supporting Paul, Tim and Stephanie through their endeavours, while also holding a special place for friends, church community, cultural organizations, dancing groups and her kitchen, where she took great joy and was an excellent cook. Eventually, some of her focus shifted to her grandchildren, establishing a different relationship with each of them and learning of their interests so as to remain in tune with their lives.
In retirement Bernice and Paul travelled as much as Bernice’s health would afford, including trips to Spain, Portugal, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Yukon and Alaska. As much as they loved the adventure of travel afar, it was their cabin on Lake Athapap that held their hearts and always drew them back. Bernice would nurse a garden out of the sparse northern soil while Paul puttered about the yard. Evenings were often spent fishing together.
Bernice will be dearly missed. Her final wish was to live her final day in the comfort of her own home. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Bernice’s caregivers at Home Instead, Bayshore and CPAS who facilitated this wish for mom, as well as the many friends that shared their kindness, time and support.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The family requests that all of Bernice’s community attend the live streaming of her service at: www.faithproductions.ca/livestream . The gathering at Windsor Chapel (704 Windsor St.) is restricted to immediate family, in accordance with public health orders.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to support Resurrection Lutheran Church (310 Lenore Dr, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 6Y1). Arrangements in care of Aimé Laventure – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200 www.mourningglory.ca
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bernice Ogryzlo Sunday November 22nd 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Flin-Flon, Province: Manitoba