Obituary of Bernice Joan Skubovius

At 80 years of age, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer disease, Bernice died in her sleep at her residence, Resthaven Nursing Home in Steinbach, MB. 

Left to mourn are her children Doug, Jim (and Colleen), Dan (and Elaine), Leona (and Ken Doerksen), Barb (and Kyle Mulvaney), 19 Grandchildren, two step-granddaughters, and ten great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; two brothers, Tom and Jim and one sister Verna (and Steve). She is also lovingly remembered by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Claude, one pre-born daughter, one great-granddaughter Addison in infancy, her parents George and Lydia Bitz, her stepfather Tony Bitz, and her brother Henry, and sisters Georgina, Dorothy, and Margaret.

Bernice spent her childhood in Morden, Manitoba. She attended school until grade nine and then worked alongside her mother until she married Claude in 1959. In 1964 they moved to St. Pierre where they lived for ten years. They then moved to Steinbach, which was their home for 45 years. Bernice worked in the kitchen and as Dietary Supervisor for many years at Resthaven Nursing Home. After retirement Bernice enjoyed travelling with Claude, mostly up to Smithers BC. They always made sure to stop in to see family and friends along the way.

She enjoyed a little gardening, some crocheting, and especially her TOPS group from Kleefeld. Bernice was very health conscious and could be seen walking around Steinbach with her sister Verna many days. Bernice enjoyed fellowshipping at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church until she and Claude moved to Smithers in 2015, where they then attended Smithers Evangelical Free church. When Claude died in 2020 the family moved Bernice back to Steinbach where she lived with her best friend/sister Verna and husband Steve for five months. She then had several moves after that and finally settled at Resthaven in February 2024. God always provided special friends for mom everywhere she lived. We are so thankful for Elma at Niverville, Alma at Cedarwood and especially Della who visited Bernice three times a week enjoying many games of Kings in the Corner right until their last visit. Your love and support meant so much to Bernice and us as a family. We are also thankful for family and friends who took calls from Bernice on a weekly basis to try to encourage her. Thanks to staff at Grunthal, Niverville, Cedarwood, and Resthaven Care homes for their care for Bernice- many of you blessed mom by sitting with her during her nightly prayers.

Near the end Bernice’s greatest goal was to try to remember which family member would be calling her every evening. Her faith remained strong, and she was able to read right until the end. She left us a great legacy of self-discipline in taking care of herself and spending time in God’s word and in prayer. She has left a huge gap to fill and like Barb says, “get your knee pads out, we have a lot of praying to do”. She could often be heard having conversations with God which lately included reminding Him that she was ready to go to heaven. One of Bernice’s greatest examples of love is that she was never heard saying an unkind word about anyone, ever.  May we all learn from her example. Mom, you won’t have to move ever again, rest in peace. We love you.

If so desired, donations in Bernice’s memory may be made to World Vision, the Alzheimer Society, or The INN a shelter being built in Steinbach. Mom’s concern and charity was always for those who lived in poverty locally as well as globally. 

Cremation has taken place, with a private family service. 

A public memorial service for both Bernice and Claude will take place the weekend of August 17-18, 2024, in Steinbach, MB.