Bernice Robertson

February 9, 1936 - June 5, 2019

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ROBERTSON, Bernice Joan (nee Edwards) - of Markdale, passed peacefully on June 5, 2019 at GBHS Health Services, Owen Sound at age 83.  Bernice is survived by her children Blair Robertson (Maria) of Stoney Creek, Shirline Iveson (Dale) of Flesherton, Dana Robertson (Crystal) of Nova Scotia, and Sherri Robertson (Eric Crose) of Markdale.  Doting nana to Rachel (Steve), Kevin (Amy), Kyle, Ryan (Aprille), Evan (Mima), Haley, Nickolas, Benjamin, Stephanie, and 6 great-grandchildren. Cherished aunt to nieces Tanya Risk and Roxanne Iceton, and dear friend to Diane Arcand and her children, Rhonda, Shannon and Tracy Iadinardi. Predeceased by her husband Don Robertson, parents Clifford and Clara Edwards (nee Richard) and sister Claire Iceton. 

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Bernice Joan Edwards was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the Canadian Forces base, where her father was actively enlisted. She was raised a proud Nova Scotian who loved Celtic music, dance, seafood (especially lobster), bagpipes, blueberries and apples. She would marry at the young age of 18 years to Don Robertson and 10 months later gave birth to her first son Blair. She would follow that with the  births of her daughter Shirline and next son Dana. Don's work would require the family to relocate to Markdale, Ontario in 1965. Don's early departure would find Bernice making the 1200 mile journey pregnant with their fourth child, Sherri. She made this journey with three children in the car, hauling a boat, and with a broken toe to top it all off. She quickly adapted and found work outside of the home; first at the Marigold Restaurant, then at Jim Shaw’s grocery store, and finally at the local post office. She would continue to be employed by Canada Post for the next 29 years. She remained a devoted, loving mother, with a great sense of humour and playfulness; hiding in closets and cupboards only to jump out to scare the four children. Discipline was administered warmheartedly with fly swatters and wooden spoons. She was an accomplished seamstress and sewed much of the kids clothing, including the girls wedding and bridesmaids dresses. She also loved to knit and crochet, even though the family were often given half finished sweaters and crafts at Christmas. These might then be completed and re-gifted by the next anniversary or birthday. She was well organized and the 'to do chore list’ in Markdale or Florida was always waiting for her next visitors to help her complete. She was an active and diligent attendee of all the kids sports, which included hockey and baseball. Her house was a safe, and welcoming gathering place for friends and neighbourhood kids for get-togethers and sleepovers. Her greatest pride were her grandchildren and she continued to be involved in all of their endeavours, taking great joy in their accomplishments. In later years Bernice and Don would travel to Indialantic, Florida where they resided for the winter. After Don's death, Bernice would continue to enjoy her winter months there socializing with friends, swimming in the pool, having seafood dinners out once a week, fishing, and golfing. Bernice had a renowned 'green thumb', and her beautiful gardens in Markdale attracted much attention. This included the prized Markdale horticultural tours. Besides her gardening, she loved frequent trips to Walmart; first to purchase and then to return items, sometimes several times a day. Visiting the Casino with her nieces to play the slots or golfing once a week on ladies night with her Markdale friends were her fond pastimes. Her beautiful warm smile, her lush gardens, her welcoming open arms, and her compassionate and generous soul will remain in the hearts of all who loved her.

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Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Monday June 10 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. at Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth ON. The funeral service  will be held in the funeral home chapel at 5:00 pm on Monday June 10, David Fries officiating. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the Funeral Home reception area following the service.  If desired, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be expressed at  

www.garafraxahillfuneral.com