Obituary of Bernice Eileen Harrison

To Watch Recorded Video of Service please click this link https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/127720397

Bernice passed away peacefully on February 23, 2020 at the Saskatoon Convalescent Home, at 90 years of age. Despite several health challenges over the last decade, with determination and independence she chose to continue living on her beloved acreage in Merrill Hills, south of Saskatoon, until her final year.  
She was predeceased by her husband, Mervin Harrison in April 2002, as well as her parents and older siblings; brother, William Tyers Jr. and sister, Eleanor Bayne and her husband Floyd.
Bernice is lovingly remembered by her three children, Terry Harrison (Dawn Guenther), Kathy Harrison (Robert Pollock) and Scott Harrison (Gayle Harrison); eight grandchildren, Stanley LaBrash, Laura Gibney, Breanne Harrison-Pollock, Keegan Harrison-Pollock, Jadon Harrison, Michael Harrison, Joel Harrison, Nathan Harrison (and their partners); and six young great-grandchildren. Many extended family members across Canada, from both the Harrison/Wells and Tyers/Bayne families have fond memories of Bernice.  
Bernice was born to homesteading parents, Ethel and William Tyers, and was raised on a farm and in the town of Plenty, Saskatchewan. After high school she moved to Saskatoon to attend a secretarial course at the Saskatoon Technical Collegiate. She worked at Bowman Brothers, where she met Mervin. They were married in August 1954 at Grace United Church, where they were active members of the Young Peoples Group in Saskatoon and within Saskatchewan.  Bernice and Merv both lived a life of dedication and service within Grace-Westminster United Church and the community.  When she was no longer able to attend church activities or visit others, she continued to participate as a member of the pastoral care team through phone contact. 
Bernice took a lot of pride and delight in being a full time parent and homemaker. Her love of children drew her to further her education later in life. She crafted a career in early childhood education, working in day cares, preschools, and children with special needs.  Bernice also volunteered many hours working with children, including teaching Sunday school and providing activities for children in the hospital and at the old Sanitorium with children with tuberculosis. She was a gifted seamstress, enjoyed reading, and loved animals. Her beloved dogs were always by her side as treasured companions. Her children and grandchildren were of great importance to her; she was always eager to hear about their lives, and was proud of their accomplishments.  
Bernice and Merv moved to the acreage in 1994 where she enjoyed the skies, flowers, birds, and deer, as she walked on the hills or gazed out the windows. She was always very happy to host family gatherings at the acreage. Another special place in her life was the cabin at Pike Lake. 
The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the many friends and relatives that stayed in touch with Bernice through phone calls, cards, letters, and visits.  The regular visits by the pastoral care team of her church were a valued part of her life. A special heartfelt thanks to Val Heart (Heart’s Lifestyle Services), who supported Bernice during her last eight years, and to Camille Ewert and Heather Meszaros who provided compassionate care during the last couple of years. The many caregivers provided by Nurse Next Door, during the past several years, were greatly appreciated. Gratitude is extended to the many caring staff at the Saskatoon Convalescent Home, City Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital who cared for her during this past year. A big thank you to Dan Streisel, a special neighbour, who has provided ongoing assistance with maintenance at the acreage. 
Bernice supported numerous local and international charitable organizations. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to one of her favorite charities: Crocus Co-op (a local agency that supports individuals with mental illness), 135 Avenue B South, Saskatoon, SK S7M 1M2, www.crocuscooperative.org or Nature Conservancy Canada, 245 Eglinton Avenue E., Suite 410, Toronto, ON, M4P 3J1, www.natureconservancy.ca.A Private Celebration of Bernice’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace-Westminster United Church.