November 25, 1926 - September 15, 2021.
On September 15th, 2021 Bernice passed away
peacefully at the age of 94 at Kelowna General
Hospital. Bernice was born on November 25,
1926 in Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan. Bernice
was one of eight children born to John and Mary
Heidt. The family lived on the farm and worked
hard no matter what age they were. Bernice
shared many stories of her brothers and her
sisters growing up. Her brothers especially
enjoyed teasing Bernice and her sisters.
When Bernice was in early 20’s she moved to the
city of Edmonton with a friend and got a job
working in a coffee shop where she met the love
of her life Mike Runka. Mike always said she
made and served the best apple pie around. Mike
and Bernice were married in Edmonton on
November 28th 1954. Mike and Bernice lived in
many places over the years but really enjoyed
living in the Okanagan.
Bernice was an avid bowler, curler and bingo
player in her younger years and loved watching
sports on TV, especially wrestling. Spending time
with her children and grandchildren always made
her smile. Bernice always had an open door for
family and friends. Bernice was also a great cook
hosting numerous family dinners over the years
and when she was unable to host she brought the
cabbage rolls and nachynka. Bernice kept her
mind sharp doing daily crossword puzzles and
games on her iPad. She liked to brag about how
many crossword and word searches she finished.
Bernice traveled with her husband Mike between
Alberta and BC frequently. They also travelled
down to California and loved going to Disneyland
together. After Mike's passing she travelled on
trips to Edmonton, California and on a fantastic
Alaskan Cruise with family.
Bernice was predeceased by her husband of 49
years, Mike (July 26, 2003), parents Mary and
John Heidt, brothers Leo, Wilfred, Scotty, Ray and
sister Beatrice.
She was a loving mother, survived by daughters
Debbie Beere, Connie Drury (Duane), and son
Dwayne Runka (Wynn).
She was a proud and loving grandma/nanny to
Shannon, Leah(Andrew), Riley(Ashley),
Leanne(Harold), Ryan, Ashley(Dustin), Brett and
Colin and great grandma to Zoey, Karter, Kenna,
Ariel, Greyson, Amelia, William, Evan, Tyler,
Morgan, Cameron, Naomi, Tessa, Holly, Wynn,
Emile and Ira.
She is survived by her brother Don(Olga), sister
Jean, brother in law Bill Runka and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Bernice’s loving and unfailing devotion to family
and home, her patience and cheerful and happy
disposition will forever be fondly remembered by
her family and friends. As much as we will miss
our mother, grandmother and friend we take great
comfort in knowing that Mike was waiting for her
at the gate in their red vintage mustang to take
her on a tour of heaven.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Bernice in
the spring of 2022.
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