Peacefully, on January 22, 2022, Bernice Laurinda Dobbin passed away a week after celebrating her 100th birthday. Predeceased by her parents Vanston and Hattie Dobbin, brother’s Delmer, Lloyd and Gervin and sister Vaneen Hooey, she leaves to mourn her passing sisters-in-law Shirley Dobbin and Alma Dobbin. She also leaves several nieces and nephews, loving companion Joyce, as well as friends and support staff.
Bernice was born on the family farm in the municipality of South Norfolk Manitoba on January 14, 1922. The memories she was fondest of sharing were times spent as a child on the farm, surrounded by her cats and horses. She attended Ladysmith and Treherne schools, completing her Grade 12 in Treherne.
After completing her formal education Bernice joined the CWAC (Canadian Women’s Army Corp) and served from 1942 to 1946. Most of those years were spent as a linotype and line operator in signals, stationed in London. She was serving in London during the worst of the V-2 attacks which began on 8 September 1944, killing 2,754 civilians in London with another 6,523 injured. Her experiences through that time helped to cement her reputation for courage and bravery. That reputation never wavered and her no-nonsense attitude never left her.
After discharge from the Army, Bernice attended the University of Manitoba and worked for the Winnipeg Tribune as a journalist. Her passion for journalism and writing continued when she next took a position at the Oshawa Gazette.
While working at the Oshawa Gazette, Bernice decided to return to university to further her education, and enrolled at the Universities of Toronto and Niagara.
After graduating with her teaching degree, Bernice taught high school for the Toronto and North York School Boards for twenty-Two years.
Bernice, who never married, was always an ‘I can and I will’ person. She was always very proud of her three degrees, her commission in the CWAC Militia, her pilots license (attained in the late 1940s), but she was most proud of her golf score! She was a long-time member of the Thornhill Country Club and often talked of her times golfing with Canadian superstar Anne Murray.
After retiring from teaching, Bernice pursued her passion for art and became a very accomplished painter and wood carver gifting her work to many. Bernice also developed a passion for traveling and spent countless days adventuring on cruises that took her around the world.
Bernice was a life long supporter of the arts with a deeply philanthropic spirit. Throughout her years while teaching and, in her retirement, Bernice dedicated countless hours volunteering her time and support to causes that touched her heart. She was an active board member of the community clubs that housed her beloved curling and golf communities. She volunteered time mentoring marginalized youth and was passionate about helping them find their place in the world. She regularly supported many organizations and charities that build up youth, provide support to veterans, support the arts, care for animals and provide assistance for disadvantaged youth. Her name will live on in so many ways because of her deep understanding and passion for giving back and paying it forward. In lieu of cards or flowers those wishing to do so are encouraged to follow her example by supporting a charity of their choice in her memory, to continue the positive action that Bernice inspired.
Above all, Bernice was most proud of the friends and relationships she gathered over the course of her many years. Relationships that developed during the war, throughout her long teaching career, her participation in at Thornhill, her charitable work and from her many adventures traveling.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place there will be no formal service.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernice Laurinda Dobbin please visit our
Tribute Store.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bernice Laurinda Dobbin January 14 1922
January 22 2022..
Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
avis deces Bernice Laurinda Dobbin January 14 1922
January 22 2022
avis mortuaire Bernice Laurinda Dobbin January 14 1922
January 22 2022