Rose Ella Bernardi

Rose was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, on June 30, 1930 to the late Jessie and Joseph Turewich. She attended Robert Moore School and later went on to graduate from Fort Frances High School. Rose was a diligent student and enjoyed the classroom experience so much that she decided to make education a career. She received her teacher training at “Normal School” in North Bay, Ontario, before returning to her hometown to spend over thirty years teaching for the Fort Frances-Rainy River Board of Education. She was a highly-respected teacher among her co-workers and admired by her students, some of whom she maintained correspondence with until her passing. Rose ended her career as the “Teacher Librarian” at Robert Moore school, a position that allowed her students to see “Mrs. Bernardi” year after year during their visits to the library.

Rose was united in marriage to Albert Bernardi on July 22, 1953 and they shared a life together for over 46 years. They spent two decades making memories at their lake home in Morson, Ontario. At the cottage, Rose was able to purse her favourite past-times such as gardening, reading, and creating strained glass pieces. In the later years, Rose and Albert became “Snowbirds” who spent their winter months in Arizona. They had a wide circle of friends and guests in their home were always treated to wonderful hospitality.

Rose was an introspective person who shared her thoughts and quiet wisdom with those who made her acquaintance over the years. She was a patron of the arts and had season tickets to both the Border Concert and Tour de Fort series. Rose was a member of the Catholic Women’s League. She was a caring, generous lady who believed in supporting community projects, as well as local charities.

Rose was predeceased by her husband, Albert; her parents, Jessie and Joseph Turewich; her brother, Paul Turewich; sisters-in-law, Eleonor Turewich and Rita Munro; and brothers-in-law, Ron Bernardi and Norman Munro.

Rose will be remembered fondly by her niece, Joanne, and her husband, Reid, and their son, John Paul Cummings. She will especially be missed by her dear friend, Becky Chabot. Rose is survived by her brother, Larry Turewich, and numerous cousins.

A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, Ontario.

If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Fort Frances Community Chest, 822 Williams Avenue, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 0A5 or the Rainycrest Auxiliary, 550 Osborne Street, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3T2.