Bernice Van Damme
February 12, 2020
Memorial Donation
Bernice Kathleen Van Damme of Reston, Manitoba, beloved wife of Myles, passed away peacefully at Virden Hospital on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the age of 71 years.
Bernice was born on August 24th, 1948 in Shoal Lake, MB. She was raised and schooled in Shoal Lake then Strathclair, MB. She married Myles Van Damme on June 14th, 1969 in Shoal Lake. They have 3 boys and 7 grandchildren.
For 28 years she ran her own Fabric store Bernice’s Fabric Gallery in Reston. Her three boys kept her busy with watching baseball and hockey. Then later spending time with the grandkids when they would come to stay. The grandkids especially liked “working” at Grandma’s store. Bernice was a very talented seamstress and quilter. The rest of her spare time was spent doing puzzles, playing cards, knitting, craft work and cherished her coffee outings with many local friends.
Bernice was a 4-H leader for many years, chairperson for the Reston Merchant’s Association and a volunteer for the Reston Ambulance Service for 15 years where she was the first respondent to attend 500 ambulance calls. This all earned her the Woman of Distinction Award for the many hours she spent volunteering in the community.
Bernice is lovingly survived by her husband of 50 and a half years Myles; sons Bradley, Barry (Jennifer) and Brent (Cheryl); Grandchildren Bailey, Rhiley, Brieana, Lauren, Dylan, Megan and William; sister Shirley (Ivan) Raber, brother-in-law Alvin (Susan) Van Damme, sister-in-law Myrna Van Damme, and numerous extended family and friends.
Bernice is predeceased by her parents Bill and Margaret Shmyr, mother and father-in-law Rene and Isabel Van Damme, brother Mervyn Shmyr, sister Dianne (Phil) Lemaire and sister-in-law Lynda Van Damme.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association by phoning 1-204-774-5501 or online at mb.lung.ca.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bernice Van Damme February 12 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Virden, Province: Manitoba