It is with sadness that we announce the death of our mother, Bernice Grose, who died in January at the Wenleigh Long Term Care facility in Ontario.
Margaret “Bernice” Grose was born in Melitta, Manitoba, the only daughter of Dr. Edgar and Kate Campbell (nee Ackland) and twin sister to brother William. The family soon moved to Winnipeg, where she grew up enjoying a variety of activities including piano, dance and speed skating.
In 1949 she married David Grose and moved to Ontario, eventually settling in Scarborough, where David worked for the T. Eaton Co. In 1961, a company transfer had the family moving to Moncton. In addition to raising 3 children, Bernice spent much of her winters at the Moncton Curling Club and her summers at the cottage on Cape Brule. Even after leaving Moncton the cottage remained the summer home. There, along with their grand dog Oscar, they entertained family and friends and treated everyone to Bernice’s wild blueberry pies.
In 1977, a final transfer sent them to Halifax, were Bernice remained until the death of her husband in 2013. Both Bernice and Dave were very active members of the Gyro club, serving on their boards and attending both local and international conventions. As well, Bernice was an avid bridge player, studied Tai Chi for over 30 years and joined both the Red Hat Society and the Crown Jewels Society of Canada. She also co-founded an investment club for the women living in her building. An avid sports enthusiast, she could often be found, especially later in life, imparting words of encouragement and wisdom to the various athletic participants on the television screen.
A firm believer in helping others, Bernice was a life long member of the UCW. She was very active with “Elder Learners”, sitting on the board for 2 years and received multiple volunteer commendations from the City of Halifax, especially for her work with the Senior Luncheon Program at Fairview United Church.
Bernice is survived by her daughter Katherine Grose, son David (Sandy) Grose, daughter Dorothy Gartshore (Neil), grandsons Kyle and Matthew Gartshore and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will take place in Halifax at 11 am, April 20th at Fairview United Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice, which focuses on helping those less fortunate.
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