Bernice Lorena Howells (nee Tubman)
In memory of Bernice Lorena Howells (October 4th, 1931- June 13th, 2019) who died surrounded by the love of her family.
Bernice was smart, fierce, dedicated, hardworking, loving, and creative. She was a woman of courage, integrity, and perseverance.
Bernice touched many lives as a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Timmins Ontario. Her career began with her much loved role caring for newborns in the nursery, expanded to successive positions on different wards, was followed by her appointment as night supervisor, and culminated in her position as acting director of nursing: an impressive accomplishment for a young woman born in the small farming community of Clarenden, Quebec.
Those she left behind fondly recall the satisfaction she derived from from creating (knitting, crocheting, sewing and needlepoint). She also enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening, and vacationing at her timeshare. Her greatest joys were her family, and her soulmate, John Howells.
Bernice leaves behind family who celebrate a life lived honourably, and on her own terms. She is survived by her daughters Carol Sterchele (Mike), and Joyce Maxwell of Barrie, ON, her sister Rita Reece (Earl) of Sarnia, ON, and grandchildren Michael Magiera and Marion Magiera of Bradford, ON; Steven Fetterly (Desiree Ang) of Scarborough, and Sayward Fetterly (Gregory Zilinskas) of Brampton, ON, her great grandchildren, Tristan, Brayden, Evangeline, and James. She was predeceased by second husband John Howells, and first spouse, Robert Maxwell, by her parents Hazel and Gilbert Tubman, her sister Leila Daub, and her brother Ervin Tubman.
Friends and relatives of the family are invited to attend a celebration of life which will be held Sunday, June 23, at Liberty North 1-100 Caplan Avenue, Barrie, ON. There will be a time to visit with the family at 1:30 pm. The service will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, followed by a reception from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
Contributions in memory of Bernice may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Ontario www.alzheimer.ca/en/on
Cremation has taken place.
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Julie Domenico
Posted on: Monday, June 17, 2019I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a truly kind and caring person, highly respected at work. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Delaina Crone
Posted on: Monday, June 17, 2019I’m so sorry for your loss Joyce and family. We send all our love and condolences. Joe, Delaina and Julian
Vivian Ryan
Posted on: Monday, June 17, 2019Sincere condolences Joyce, to you and your family at this difficult time.
Dana Tripp
Posted on: Monday, June 17, 2019I am so sorry Joyce. You spoke of your mom many times when we worked together. Thinking of you and your family.
David Jaremy
Posted on: Monday, June 17, 2019From Gail, Jessica, Elena and I, our condolences on the passing of your mother. Please know you are in our thoughts at this trying time. I trust the comfort of family and friends will help you to manage the sorrow in your heart, as you mourn, but also celebrate her life.
Shelley Clark
Posted on: Monday, June 17, 2019Dear Joyce
What a comfort to me you were when my mom was so ill last fall. I wish you much love and comfort at this sad time. Thinking of you. Shelley
Sharon Kitsemetry
Posted on: Monday, June 17, 2019Joyce – Sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother.
Cathy Campbell
Posted on: Monday, June 17, 2019Joyce, I ‘m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. My sympathy to you and your family. As teenagers in Timmins I’ll always remember her kind soft spoken way and her wisdom.
Johanna de Bruijn
Posted on: Tuesday, June 18, 2019I’m saddened to read this, Joyce. Sending hugs and deepest sympathies to you and your family. May the memories of her vibrant life be a comfort to you at this difficult time. May she truly rest in peace.
Rita Maurice
Posted on: Tuesday, June 18, 2019So sorry to hear about your mom, Carol & Mike. Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Clara Guy
Posted on: Tuesday, June 18, 2019Joyce. So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Mark Daub
Posted on: Tuesday, June 18, 2019So many great memories of Aunt Bernice growing up, that there is no way I could list them all here!! I was so lucky to get to spend time with her and my Grandma Lela in Nipissing Village and in South Porcupine. She is going to be missed!! Thinking of you, Carol and Joyce.
Mary Monaghan
Posted on: Tuesday, June 18, 2019I still miss you Bernice. (Nursing friend from Schumacher, ontario)
Caroline Leppanen
Posted on: Tuesday, June 18, 2019Joyce, I recall stories about your mom, from before and after the onset of the Alzheimer’s. I’m sending you strength and love in this difficult time. Retell the stories and hold your young ones close!
Lissa Daub
Posted on: Tuesday, June 18, 2019Aunt Bernice’s smile could light up a whole room! I always loved seeing her and listening to her stories. She truly was a beautiful lady inside and out! Sending love and condolences to Joyce and Carol.
Lissa Daub
(Lela’s granddaughter)
Kathleen Corrigan
Posted on: Tuesday, June 18, 2019I am so sorry for your loss, Joyce. Your mother sounds like she was an amazing person. That is no surprise for she raised a very special daughter who has also made a significant mark on the world. I trust that decades of special memories will provide comfort in your grief. Kathleen
Susan Goulet
Posted on: Wednesday, June 19, 2019Joyce please accept our condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of your Mom
She was always so nice to us when we were teenagers!
Brian Daub
Posted on: Wednesday, June 19, 2019Aunt Bernice was always an inspiration to me. So many memories!!! So many times we had long talks when i needed advice.
My condolences Carol and Joyce
Evelyn Robson-Daub
Posted on: Thursday, June 20, 2019Beautiful Memories of a Beautiful Lady. May the Memories bring you peace and comfort.
My sincere condolences to Carol, Joyce, Aunt Rita and families
The Reece Family
Posted on: Friday, June 21, 2019Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Bernice. She was a wonderful sister, sister in law and aunt to us. We have so many great memories with her to cherish. Us visiting her in Timmins or Nippissing, her coming to Sarnia, the Howells hosting Earl and Reta in Mexico, and the expeditions to Biloxi as examples. Her great sense of humour could cheer any gathering and of particular note I recall how much we enjoyed having her and John at our(Debbie and Paul’s) wedding many years ago. Take comfort in knowing that the difficulties she endured over the past few years are over and I know God has a special place for her now. John is sure to be smiling brightly. God Bless you Aunt Bernice. Enjoy your new journey and may it be filled with eternal happiness.
Paul (on behalf of Earl, Reta, Phil, Debbie and our family)
Mike Moore
Posted on: Sunday, June 23, 2019Truly, a lovely person. She and John fondly remembered as friends and neighbours. Our deepest sympathy.
Mike Moore and family