Obituary of BERNICE (TOMCHAK) OKURLEY

It is with great sadness that we announce that Bernice Okurley passed away on June 21, 2024 at Donwood Personal Care Home at the age of 96 years.

She was predeceased by her mother Victoria and father John, husband Michael, son Bryan, brother Walter, sister-in-law Bernice, sister Mary and brother-in-law Tony.

Bernice is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter Judie, son-in-law Doug, grandsons Kyle, Chad (Nicole), Graeme (Elizabeth), daughter-in-law Terri, brother Don (Sonia) and many nieces and nephews.

Bernice was born in Komarno, Manitoba on January 11, 1928.  She was raised on the family farm in a modest 2 room house.    Life was hard but they have a lot of good times.   She met her husband  Michael at a barn dance.  They were married in Komarno on October 27th , 1945.   They then moved to Polson, Manitoba and lived in the house that dad was raised in.    After many years on the farm  they moved to Winnipeg and moved in with her sister Mary and husband Tony.   Shortly after their son was born and then they bought their own house on Manitoba Avenue.  Their daughter was born a few years later and their family was complete.  Mom loved to keep busy and had many jobs mostly in the catering business.  Mom loved to cook and entertain with family and friends.  Her basement was full of preserves and her homemade wine. The freezer was always full with homemade perogies and cabbage rolls.   After the children left, they bought a house on Greene Avenue.  Soon after they took trips to Hawaii and Florida and visited family across Canada.  They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1995 at their daughter’s home with all their family and friends. They remained on Greene Avenue until Michael's passing in 1998.  

Mom stayed in the house for another year and moved into an apartment.   She loved her friends there and played cards every night.  She loved to read and had a little garden on the roof top which she enjoyed.   After 18 years in the apartment she moved into the Assisted Living at Donwood Manor.   Many of her friends from the apartment were already moved in there so it was like going home again.   She was happy there and loved her place.   She enjoyed going out for breakfast with her brother Don and wife Sonia.  She loved going to casinos and even took in the Las Vegas Casino.   Her grandson Graeme got married last year and she was able to partake in the day after party.  She was so proud and loved Liz dearly.    After 4 years in the Assisted Living mom’s health deteriorated and in March of 2024 she moved into the Personal Care home at Donwood Manor.   Unfortunately she went downhill very quickly and passed away on the first day of summer.  

The staff at Donwood Manor were incredible.   The care they gave our mom was exceptional and so caring.  She loved all the people in the care home.  We cannot express how grateful the family is for taking such loving care of our mom. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at Saint Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, 315 Munroe Ave. Winnipeg MB

May she rest in peace…..We love you mom.  Heaven has another angel.