Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Bernice Mccauley
January 31, 1922 - May 2, 2010
Tribute
Bernice Maude Stoate Williams McCauley
Our beloved Mother, Nanny and Great-Nanny passed away Sunday, May 2nd at the Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, BC. Born in Victoria on January 31st, 1922 to Cyril and Violet Williams, Bernice spent her early years in the small Village of Bamberton where her father was the chemical engineer, then her school and university years in Vancouver. Bernice graduated from Lord Byng High School in 1940, the same year in which this ‘blonde beauty’ was crowned Miss Dunbar West Point Grey. A Bachelor of Arts degree (history and english) from UBC followed in 1944 with Bernice delivering the valedictorian speech that year.
During the war years, Bernice volunteered for the Canadian Red Cross in Vancouver, greeting returning and injured soldiers as they arrived on trains and ships. Married to Dr. William Douglas (Doug) McCauley in 1946, their first home was Edmonton before settling in Duncan in 1950 where Doug managed a busy family practice for the next 40 years, until his death in 1990. Bernice returned to Vancouver and her beloved mountains in 1991 making her home in Richmond until 2003, before returning to the Island to be closer to family.
Bernice loved children and is survived by her large and loving family, 6 children Graeme (Patti), Robin Pike (James), John (Debbie), Kevin (Amy), Ross (Deb), Brian (Fiona); 14 grandchildren Deena, Scott, Andrew, Erin, Heather, Duncan, Adam, Nicole, Baylea, Rhonda, Melissa, Robert, Kyle and Jared; and 3 great granddaughters Olivia, Madison and Ruby. Also nieces Andrea (Montreal) and Shelley (North Vancouver), nephew Cal (Vancouver) and cousins in Victoria and England. She was predeceased by her brother Bill in October 2009. Bernice leaves many dear friends and acquaintances who will remember her with great fondness.
Bernice’s great joy was in taking an active role in the very busy lives that her children lead, including Cubs, Boy Scouts, football, basketball, rugby, riding, field hockey, and school theatre productions. To the many Cowichan youth who also played on the various teams, Bernice was known fondly as ‘Super Mom’. A particular enjoyment came from participating in local live theatre as a long time member of the Drama Club and the Cowichan Musical Society. Through many years and numerous productions, Bernice took great pleasure in creating beautiful sets, often scavenging for props from antique shops, farmers’ fields or any other wild and wonderful location that might yield a unique treasure.
Mom was warm, creative, intelligent, kind and gracious, and above all great fun to spend time with. She loved to mark everyone’s special occasions, whether big or small, making sure that a cake and some memento was part of the celebration. A strong advocate for lifelong learning, Mom was exceedingly well read and always enjoyed a good political conversation (or debate) with whoever dropped by for a visit.
We cherish our memories of our dear Mom and miss her deeply. A celebration of this wonderful life will be held on Wednesday, May 12th at 1:00 pm at the Quamichan Inn, 1478 Maple Bay Road, Duncan.
Flowers gratefully declined, in lieu please make a donation in Bernice’s name to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. Thank you. Online condolences may be offered at www.hwwallacecbc.com
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Allan/Sharon Jahelka
Relation: such a great friend
So sorry to all her family, you all meant so much to Bernice. We loved her and will miss her. Allan & Sharon
From: Carole Hawe
Relation: My daughter's Mother-In-Law
To All the McCauley Family:
I would like to send you my sincere condolences on the passing of Bernice, your loving Mother, Nanny, Great Nanny, & Great Great Nanny.
Tomorrow being Mother’s Day will be a difficult one … but your many happy memories and knowing she is free from pain will give you comfort. My she rest in peace forever.
Sincerely,
Carole
From: Russell David Alan Hughes
Relation: Friend of family
Sincerest condolences to all the family. Bernice always treated family friends with kindness and warmth. I wish all the family my warmest wishes in this time of great loss. Bernice will surely be missed by all who were fortunate to have known her.
From: Shelley Kay
Relation: mother of friend
Dear McCauley family, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother. I remember her well, driving you to games and cheering you on in your many endeavors. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by many. I am thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
From: Kathleen (Kay) Paulin
Relation: Cousin
My deep sympathy to the family of Bernice Williams McCauley. We were great friends years ago in Vancouver. Her mother, Violet, and my father, Wilfred, were cousins, and we visited back and forth often.
Kathleen (Kay) Paulin,
Victoria
From: Allyson Taylor
Relation: Old friend of Graeme & Patti
My condolences to Graeme, Patti and your family. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. She may have left this world but not your hearts.
I know that I have not been in touch for a long time but I did want to send my regards. I’m now living in Chemainus, BC, which is how I learned about your Mom. I would love to hear from you when you are back in Duncan some time. (250)-246-8682
Kindest Regards,
Allyson Taylor (formerly of Williams Lake, Edmonton, Regina.& …
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
May 12, 2010
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Quamichan Inn
1478 Maple Bay Road
Duncan, BC Canada V9L 5R2
1478 Maple Bay Road
Duncan, BC Canada V9L 5R2
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Bernice Mccauley
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
