1929 – 2024
Mrs. (Jonina) Bernese Lewis of Innisfail, Alberta passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024, at the age of 94 years.
Bernese was born on July 7, 1929, in Evarts, Alberta to Dora and John Hillman. She was raised along the Medicine River on the Hillman Homestead. Bernese loved every moment of having fun with her brothers and sisters, walking to school, working on the farm, and always said they were singing the whole time. While she was attending Dickson High School, she met her soulmate and best friend, Bob. They were married on July 3, 1951 and settled on the Lewis Farm in 1959. Bob and Bernese built a beautiful life, working along side of each other on the farm. Bernese spent her time raising the kids, Wayne, Wendy (Danny), Brenda, Jacki (Barry), Lori and Bill (Suzette), giving her time to many groups in the Spruce View community, and enjoying time with all their great friends.
Bernese was always the happiest when she was surrounded by her family, she loved each and every one of her 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Nana B will always hold a special place in each of their hearts.
Bernese left this world as graciously as she lived her life.
She was pre-deceased by her husband Bob, son Wayne, and sons-in-law Randy and Stuart and is survived by her sisters, Marilyn and June as well as brother-in-law George (Helen) Lewis. She proudly answered to many names – Bernese, Jonina, Bearnese, Grandma, Nana B, Auntie B, Sister, and Mom. She wrote this note in her red book:
“I may not be perfect, but I am always me. I don’t try to be someone I’m not or something I’m not.”
A Celebration of Bernese’s Life will be held at the Innisfail United Church on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow at the Spruce View Community Hall. If friends desire, Memorial Donations may be made to Stephan J. Stephansson Icelandic Society, 114 Creamery Way, Markerville, Alberta T0M 1M0 or to Alberta Diabetes Foundation 8602 112 St NW Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006
