Bernice Muriel Harms

It is with deep sadness and heartfelt love that we announce the passing of our beloved neighbour, friend, and aunt, Bernice, who passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on December 24, 2024. Bernice is predeceased by her loving husband, John. She is the last surviving grandchild of the pioneering McFadden family of Salt Spring Island and Portuguese Joe Silvey of Reid Island, whose statue stands proudly in Stanley Park.

Bernice called Vancouver home for over 62 years, dedicating her career to nursing as a respected registered nurse at Vancouver General Hospital, where she devoted herself to providing exceptional care to her patients.

While she may have been an aunt to many, to me, she was like a grandmother, offering a lifetime of wisdom, wit, and a unique spirit that will never be forgotten. Bernice would always make her presence known with her signature call of “wooo whoo,” while walking down the street. That sound, full of life and energy, will forever echo in our memories, a reminder of the vibrant woman she was.

Throughout her life, Bernice was affectionately known by some nicknames — from “Harmsie Baby” to "Auntie Bea,” each one reflecting the unique bond she shared with those around her and the warmth she brought into every room.

To those who had the privilege of knowing her, Bernice was more than a friend — she was a guiding light, a source of warmth, and a cherished soul who touched countless lives. Bernice was a woman of great strength, grace, and conviction. Her laughter was infectious, and her spirit unmatched. She knew exactly what she wanted out of life, and she made sure to let you know it. Whether it was through a firm word or a look, she had a way of making her opinions known, and we admired her for it. Her honesty and directness were unmatched — she never shied away from speaking her mind, and in doing so, she taught us all the value of standing strong in our beliefs.

She had a love for life that was as big as her personality. Bernice was a true lover of food — both eating and cooking. While living on Fleming Street in Vancouver, her kitchen was where she thrived, creating meals with love and passion. Even in her later years, when her world became smaller, her love for food and the joy it brought her never wavered.

Bernice had a deep passion for gardening, a hobby she cherished throughout her life. Her garden was a reflection of her nurturing spirit, filled with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and carefully tended plants. Whether planting new seeds, tending to her roses, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, she found peace and joy in the earth beneath her hands. Her love for gardening extended beyond her own front yard, as she often shared her knowledge and love of plants with friends, family, and neighbours. Her legacy will live on in the blooms she cultivated in the Cedar Cottage Greenway and the lives she touched with her gentle care.

For the last few years, Bernice lived at Fir Park Lodge in Port Alberni, where she continued to connect with others and was known as Auntie Bea to most.

Though she may be gone, her impact on all of us remains. Bernice was a force of nature, a woman who didn’t just exist but lived — boldly, confidently, and unapologetically. She will always be missed, and her legacy will live on in every meal shared, every firm opinion voiced, and every "wooo whoo" that we hear from now on.

A private celebration will take place in the spring on Reid Island. No service as per Bernice’s wishes.

You will always be missed, but your love will never fade from our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Bernice.