July 29, 2021
Our loving adventurous feisty mom left us on July 29 in her 85 year, in Nelson British Columbia with her daughter Jeanie and her granddaughter Neeva at her side, as well as Sean and Colleen helping throughout.
She was the youngest and only surviving sibling from the Jacques clan of Hamilton Ontario (Anne Doucette (Carl), Bob Jacques (Olive), Jean Jacques (Bob Prentice), Ken Jacques (Marm). She was born in Hamilton Ontario on September 22 1936 to Robert and Annie Jacques.
She married John Dwyer in the early 60's and was widowed in March 1979. She later married Orin Boyington and they were together for 22 years until she lost Orin to cancer in 2003.
She worked for the Hamilton Board of Education for 25 years as a custodian.
She was the mother of four children, Stephen Dwyer, Bobbi Jo Puharich (Alex), Jeanie Dwyer, Herb Dwyer (Ali). Her children were the love of her life. She taught her children to love the outdoors and be adventurous, such as being the first of friends to jump out of the plane when they were parachuting (thus the nickname her son Stephen called her Paratrooper Bernice). Bernice was always willing to go on any adventure at the drop of a hat. She was a loving, thoughtful and caring mom who gave the best hugs.
Her biggest blessing in life was her grandchildren. She was blessed with six grandsons, Matt, Jacob, Josh, Tadd, Brody & Kurtis and one beautiful granddaughter, Neeva. She loved every one of her grandkids and had many adventures with all of them such as fishing, camping, hiking, and of course hockey games. She also loved to play hide'n seek with her granddaughter.
Anyone who knew Bernice, knew her passion for anything hockey. She loved the Hamilton Bulldogs and was a season ticket holder for many years. She looked forward to Saturday night hockey and cheering on Carey Price. Her other passion was for animals. Bernice loved animals big or small. She enjoyed feeding birds from her window, and she always had a pet.
Every cat or dog she met loved her. She had a special connection with animals that was lovely to watch. Her love for the mountains brought her to BC to be with her family where she enjoyed her last years.
Bernice always found the best in everyone and had a kind spirit. Everyone who met her loved her including her daughter in law Mary Dwyer.
Her passion for adventure and her kind spirit continues on in every one of her family members. We were proud to call her Mom and Grandma!
Her family would like to thank Mountain Lakes Senior Home for the awesome care and love that they provided to Bernice throughout her last year. The personal support staff, nurses, and doctor went above & beyond to ensure that Bernice was comfortable and well cared for.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bernice's life will be held at a later date.
If so desired, donations can be made to your local animal shelter in Bernice's name.
Rest in Peace mom, you will be missed!
Thompson Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit https://www.thompsonfs.ca/obituary/bernice-boyington/
Thompson Funeral Service