June 9, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Bernice VanderRoest (Dộne) passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 10, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She was born Gladys Bernice Ellen on October 23 in Rainy River, Ontario.
Bernice trained as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Humber Memorial Hospital in North York, Ontario. After graduation, she worked in Toronto and Winnipeg. Following her father's death, Bernice and her mother moved to Vancouver, British Columbia and continued her work as an LPN.
Bernice loved skiing, dancing, and traveling. She was a seasoned traveller, visiting many places across North America, New Zealand, Europe, Middle East, and the South Pacific, making numerous friends along the way.
Folk dancing was her favorite; she danced with the Norwegian Sleipner's in Burnaby and the Zerka group in Vernon. She also organized a Scandinavian dance group with Anna Segas.
In 1978, Bernice met Bert while square dancing in Edmonton. Their love of dancing continued with Round Dancing in Burnaby. They married on May 10, 1980, in Vancouver, BC. In 1987, they moved to Vernon. Bernice and Bert spent summers with their grandchildren; from sleeping under the stars on the patio, to camping all over BC and Alberta, and introducing them to many new experiences along the way.
Bernice was actively involved with her church and assisted many refugees relocating to the Vernon area. After Bert passed away, she continued with her travels, dancing and volunteering. Eventually, she relocated to Calgary, Alberta, in 2022.
Bernice loved her latest adventure in Calgary, where she made new friends, attended a weekly singing group, experienced the Calgary Stampede and the Ukrainian festival. She also spent quality time with her granddaughter Krista and her family.
Bernice was predeceased by her husband, Bert VanderRoest; her mother, Elsie Thompson; her father, Henry Dộne; and her stepfather, Clarence Thompson.
She is survived by her stepdaughter, Amber Gorsak (husband Byron and granddaughters Ashley and Alisha) in Parksville, BC, and her stepson, Rene VanderRoest (wife Simone and grandchildren Derek, Krista, and Cole) in Naramata, BC. She had eight great-grandchildren: Liam, Nate, Charlotte, Mia, Lucas, Koen, Austin, and Theo.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Vernon, BC. You can e-mail Krista at bernicevdroest@gmail.com to be notified when the service will be held. In lieu of flowers, Bernice requested that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Society in memory of her mother, Elsie Thompson.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Leydens.com
Leyden's Funeral Home
403-228-4422
www.leydens.com