Bernice Phyllis Frank

Wake began at 5 pm on Wednesday, June 15 at the Little Pine Community Hall. Funeral Service was held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 17, also from the Little Pine Community Hall. Interment followed at the Little Pine Cemetery.

Bernice will be lovingly remembered by her sons: Burton, Allan (Juliette), Kelvin (Julie), Irvin (Theresa), Henry (Nicole), and Rueben (Dee Dee Lori); her daughters: Lynda (Alfie), Pauline (Jerry), Elaine, Karen (Gene), Corinne, Eloise, Heather (Buck); her sister Jeanette Kam; special son-in-law Austin Tootoosis; adopted son Mark Crooked Neck; adopted sister Mary Thunderchild; 139 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is predeceased by her mother Mary Ellen Kam and her father James Gardipee; her husband Alex Frank; daughters Gloria Tootoosis, Cindy Kam Thunder; son Lance; sisters Bertha Wuttunee, Bertha Benson, Lucy Bull, and Hilda Andrews; brothers Simon Buglar and Henry Kam; nephew Jerry Kam; grandsons Sonny Buffalo, Kelly Tootoosis, Chester Frank, and Gerard Frank; granddaughters Sienna June and Adria Frank; great-granddaughters Kendall Buffalo and Wynter Buffalo; great-grandsons Antonio Francisco Cruz and Ian Campbell; adopted sisters: Ida Rain, Alice NW, Peggy Saddleback, Laura Bull.

Bernice was born in a mud shack in Red Pheasant. Her mum and dad moved to Rocky Boy with her and her sister Auntie Bertha, when they were kids. Later on she went to residential school in Onion Lake. As a young woman she met Dad Alex in Little Pine, and they were married in St. John’s Anglican Church on December 29, 1941. When Dad went away to WWII in Europe, she stayed home and raised the young family, awaiting his return. In all, they raised 15 children.

As all good mums do, she had great influence in encouraging us, her grandkids, and great-grandkids, from the time we were born until we were ready to go out on our own. With dad Alex, they always pointed us in the right direction, one that they believed was right and best for us. We would often hear her talk about those old days, the good times she had and how those years helped shape her own life, helped her make her own way, making wise decisions as a young adult and young mum. Mum and Dad still looked after and loved their grand and great-grandchildren. They treasured their family and spent many good times at family reunions, cookouts, and other family gatherings. Their children grew up with full morals and work ethics so they were raised exceptionally well and we can all be proud of their guidance since all of us model our own lives and families after theirs.

She liked traveling to powwows, going home to Rocky Boy every summer with her sister Bertha. They went to many powwows around Saskatchewan and Alberta, and on those warm sunny summer months were always keen to be a part of the traditions and culture of the people. She loved to sew and make blankets and dance outfits for her great-grandkids.

There is no one more worthy of God’s love than our dear Mum, Grandma, Great-grandma, and friend. She is deservedly in the hands of the Lord and we know that she has reached eternal peace and happiness with Dad.