Helen Bernice Whaley (nee Troyer), in her 94th year, passed away peacefully at Streetsville Care Community on the morning of January 24th 2021.
Bernice was born November 18, 1927 and grew up in a two story home near the mill pond in Huttonville. After WWII, she married Raymond O Whaley on June 22nd, 1946. They celebrated sixty years together. Bernice’s love and dedication shone through every day, especially with the care she was able to give Ray before he passed in 2006, all the while still keeping the rest of us in mind.
Bernice unconditionally loved her family. She was our much loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt & friend.
Bernice will be deeply missed by her children Gary (Suzanne) of Erin, Dennis (Betty) of Lindsay, Dianne McKee (Dave) of Milton & Donna Rae of Orillia; her many grandchildren, nieces, nephews & her sisters Evelyn & Gail.
Predeceased by her son David, infant daughter Marilyn & siblings infant Florence, Dorothy & Billy, stepbrother Frank.
Growing up in a small community, everyone knew who you were, so, you wanted to be on your best behavior because it didn’t take long for news to travel home if you weren’t.
Bernice had fond memories of growing up in Huttonville close to the Credit River. They would swim in the summer, sometimes rowboat: skate, cross-country ski & have bonfires in the winter. Sundays were family days in the park. On Wednesdays & Saturdays there were dances at the community hall. When Bernice was too young to attend, she was allowed to lean her bike beside the hall window so she could stand on it, watch people dancing & chat with them. Bernice & Ray both loved music & danced beautifully together.
She enjoyed the outdoors, singing in choirs & visiting friends. One of her favourite places to visit was Maxwell’s cabin for warmth & laughter. She had many other interests: service clubs, literature, family history, gardening, theatre, a good game of cards, creating personalized greeting cards for family & friends… the list goes on.
She could wield a hammer & helped build their home. Bernice could do so many things and was always eager to try something new.
It must be noted that her delicious apple pies and preserved peaches were treasured treats.
In her younger years, Bernice attempted to join the Navy…. until the Navy found out she was too young. Given an adventurous nature, it would have been interesting to see what paths & projects she may have taken had she been born 50 years later with different opportunities.
Growing up, Bernice helped her family care for their boarding house; attended Huttonville Public School (there still hangs a picture of her starring lead role in Rule Britannia), then onto Brampton High School. Bernice worked at Boyles Drug Store until marrying Ray and changing careers to be a homemaker. As time moved on, she opened the Good Shepherd Book Store in Brampton, worked as Sears sales manager, then bookkeeping for Wagner & Raymond O Whaley Construction before retiring. Ray & Bernice enjoyed traveling and meeting new friends along the way.
Bernice was a person strong of both faith & will. She loved & valued her lifelong relationships in her community of church, family & friends, giving her heart & soul; putting others before herself; setting the bar high.
We will always love and miss our feisty girl!
We’d like to recognize everyone at Streetsville Care Community & Dr Huynh for their exceptional care and love.
Bernice developed dementia & by March of 2018, needed some extra daily help & became a resident of Streetsville Care Community. In a short time, we were blessed to find this long-term care residence is full of angels. These angels quickly became our extended family & friends. Their skills, compassion and heartfelt care are amazing.
We especially want to praise and thank them for their many personal sacrifices made throughout this difficult year, looking after their residents so selflessly. We are forever thankful!
To honour Bernice’s memory, please show your appreciation for those that work so hard to keep us safe.
Do something kind for another.
Donations in Bernice’s memory may be made to Knox Presbyterian Church, Milton or the Alzheimer’s Society ,
Due to the pandemic limitations of 10, a private outdoor service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery, Norval. Memories, photos & condolences may be shared wth McKersie-Kocher Funeral Home, Milton.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bernice Whaley Sunday January 24th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Milton, Province: Ontario