Bernice Virginia BOWEN

(Pearl) Bernice Virginia Bowen was born on March 16th, 1924 in Bromhead, Saskatchewan.  She was the third youngest of 12 children, who grew up on a family farm, where she spent her time in the home helping with the cooking and cleaning.  In 1942 the family moved out west to Port Alberni BC, where she worked as a housekeeper and then in 1944, Bernice began working for Superior Groceries, which led her to meeting her husband and best friend, Melvin Bowen.  Mel and Bernice got married September 14th, 1946 and had two children together, Dennis (1949) and Linda (1953). 

After she married, Bernice did not return to work, which allowed her time to pursue some of her many passions which included crocheting, tending to her flower garden, bowling for the Comets Bowling Team and teaching Sunday School at the Church of the Nazarene, of which she was a long-time member.  She also loved to bake and spent many hours in the kitchen baking bread, cinnamon buns, apple pie and her famous cookies for everyone to enjoy.  

Her and Mel also loved to travel and enjoyed many trips together in the US, Atlantic Canada, Hawaii and Alaska, not to mention the many summer camping trips to Rathtrevor and Miracle Beach in their truck and camper.

Bernice passed away peacefully on June 5th, 2022 with her family by her side, at the amazing age of 98.  She was such a lovely, kind, and generous soul, whose contagious smile, infectious giggle, witty personality, and loving nature made everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, feel truly blessed.  She was a loving mother, sister, aunt and friend to many.  She will be greatly missed, as she had such a big impact on so many lives, however our hearts can rest easy knowing she lived a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Fir Park Village for the care and compassion they showed to Bernice and our family during her time there.  We are very grateful that she was in such capable and caring hands.  In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Fir Park Village in Bernice’s name.

A Celebration of Life for Bernice will be held at the Port Alberni Lawn Bowling Club on Sunday June 26th 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.