Bernadette "Joy" Matilda White

She was a partner to William Arias and a loving mother to Marsha (Jason) Radcliffe-Williams and Juanza Bryan. Bernadette was a proud and cherished grandmother to Moya Williams, who brought her immense joy.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Sheron Stewart-Burton, Washburn (Paula) White, and Joan (Charles) Genard. Bernadette was a caring and devoted aunt to Marcus, Amber, Uriah, Phylicia, Angelica, Robin, Maya, Monique, and Randy, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She will also be deeply missed by her uncle, Vincent Smiley, and her aunt, Rosetta Smiley. Bernadette is remembered by extended relatives, her church family, and a wide circle of friends who were touched by her warmth, kindness, and wisdom.

Bernadette was predeceased by her beloved parents, Uriah White and Linda (née Smiley).

Originally from Jamaica, Bernadette carried her heritage with pride and lived her life centered around love for her family. She was known for her warmth, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy of love and family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Family will receive guests on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, for visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will be held thereafter at 11:15 a.m. Burial to follow at Williamsburg Cemetery.

In loving memory of Bernadette White

Bernadette’s gentle heart and caring spirit touched many — she showed great compassion to the elderly and found joy in nurturing her garden. To honor her legacy of kindness, strength, and care, our family invites donations in her memory to one of the following charities:

🌳 Canadian Trees for Life – to plant trees in her honor and help create a greener future.

👵🏽 Bridge to Oasis Foundation – supporting the wellness and quality of life of seniors of African and Caribbean descent in Canada.

Your gift of any amount will help continue Bernadette’s legacy of compassion, and care, making a lasting impact in her memory.

Today, my heart is heavy as I remember my beloved niece, Bernadette “Joy” Matilda White. Though distance and circumstance will not allow me to be present in person, I am with you all in spirit as we honor her life, her love, and the legacy she leaves behind.

My earliest memory of Joy reaches all the way back to when she was just a baby. My sister was making dinner for me, and little Joy was crying, wanting her mother’s attention. I picked her up, and in that moment, I saw what family means, love offered freely, simply because it is needed.

Days turned into years, and Joy grew into a good student. Like many families, we did not keep up week by week the way we should, but I always watched her life with respect and quiet pride. To me, Joy was like a tree, you can know a tree best by its fruits. And Joy bore good fruit.

After school, she worked faithfully and continued to build a life of purpose. She became a partner, a mother, and later a grandmother, roles she carried with grace and strength.

Her love expanded through her daughter, Marsha and son, Juanza, and through her granddaughter, Moya, who brought her immense joy.

One of the reasons I loved Joy so deeply is because of the special care she gave to her mother, my sister. The Bible teaches us to honor our parents, and Joy lived that out. I truly believe heaven approves of that kind of devotion. And it seems to me that this love runs in the family, her love was strong, steady, and faithful.

One of the greatest blessings I carry is that Joy and Marsha came to spend time with us in Florida about two years ago. We were so happy to have her. Looking back now, it feels like God granted us that visit as a final gift, one more chance to laugh together, to share time, and to hold her close in our hearts.

When I spoke with Joy in the hospital, her voice did not sound the same to me. In my spirit, I felt she was saying, “Uncle, I am climbing up the mountain.” And I understood it this way: she did not come here to stay. If I never saw her again on this side, then by God’s mercy, we will meet again. Until that day, I say: sleep on, Joy. Take your rest, my dear niece.

Joy will be missed, not only by her immediate family, but by the whole circle of relatives, church family, and friends who were touched by her warmth, kindness, and wisdom.

Until the day we meet again Joy, sleep on. Take your rest.

With love,

Uncle “Vin”

We gather here today to honour my cousin, Bernadette White, fondly know as (Joy). Joy was cherished by many in their own unique ways.

To Marsha, Jason, Moya, Juanza (Jay) and the rest of the family, please accept our sincere condolences for your profound loss. While we recently mourned the passing of our mother, your grandaunt, I would not presume to fully comprehend your pain. The experience of losing a mother is deeply personal, and I pray that you and your loved ones find strength and comfort as you navigate your journey through this time of grief.

Many of us knew Joy over varying spans of time and were fortunate to be touched by her generosity and warmth. Personally, I had the privilege of knowing Joy for much of my life, although there were gaps in our connection. I fondly recall, as a young child, she was the caring older cousin who gave me treats and money and watched over me when I visited her at the courthouse where she worked.

During my first visit back to Jamaica as an adult, Joy guided me through the market, ensuring we did not pay inflated prices, she was ever attentive and protective as always. Her commitment extended not only to her family but also to those she cared for at her work and in her community.

Joy’s passion for baking, especially her renowned Jamaican Black cake, introduced me to flavours I had not appreciated before. Although she taught me her methods, I never mastered them quite like she did. My sons also enjoyed her cakes and my son, Nikolai was blessed by her making his wedding cake.

My son Andre shared a close bond with Joy’s son, Jay during the period Jay lived with us. Andre maintained a special relationship with his Auntie Joy. Andre has recounted how Joy consistently reminded him and Jay to support each other and be cautious about the company they kept, emphasizing the importance of family ties. Despite their teenage defiance, Joy would always ensure they were cared for, expressing concern yet meeting them with understanding and kindness.

As Andre grew older, he came to understand that Joy’s guidance stemmed from deep love and a desire to keep them safe. She played an instrumental role in helping him and Ashley secure a place near her, becoming a supportive neighbour, especially when they welcomed their first child.

Joy’s impact on our lives was profound, whether through a kind smile, a listening ear, or small acts of kindness. Her passing serves as an important reminder of the need to value time spent with loved ones and to express our feelings without delay—life’s moments are precious and fleeting, so don’t wait to do or say the things you want to say.

Life is short, yet love is long.

Though days feel fragile and goodbyes come too soon, Joy carried a light that filled the room.

Dear cousin We release you with gratitude, with tears, with grace — for a life of love leaves a lasting trace.

Condolences on behalf of the Findlay and Edwards family

Rest now in peace.