Bernice Amelia Ripka

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bernice Amelia Ripka on March 5, 2026 at the age of 90.

Bernice was born on May 11, 1935. In the early 1950s she met and married the love of her life Samuel Kernel Ripka, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Not long after, the two began their life together in Nanaimo British Columbia, where they raised their family and created countless memories over the years.

Family was the centre of Bernice‘s world. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who found her greatest joy in the time spent with the people she loved. For many years, Sunday roast beef dinners were a treasured tradition at her table - a time when family gathered, stories were shared, and everyone left with a full heart and full bellies.

Bernice also had a playful side and a love for bingo that became part of her legacy among family and friends. Bernice rarely missed a chance to play and often left with the winning pot.

Bernice faced life with quiet strength and a deep love for her family. She is predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Samuel Ripka, youngest son, Timothy, son-in-law, Dennis, and five siblings.

She leaves behind her children, Sharon, Beverly, Brian (Bobbi) and Lisa (daughter-in-law). She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren - Dean, Michelle, Jeff, Greg, Lisa, Carla, Robert, and Taber, and by her 10 great grandchildren who were a source of great pride and joy in her later years.

Bernice’s legacy lives on in the stories shared around family tables, in the laughter of her grandchildren, and in the many lives she touched along the way. She will be remembered for her love of family and the traditions she created that will continue for generations.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.