PORTER, Bernice Meyer - 53, of Steam Mill, Kings County, passed away Monday, August 15, 2011 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, following a battle with cancer. Eldest daughter of the late Pieter and Styntje "Christine" Meijer, Bernice grew up in Halls Harbour and Centreville. She attended Acadia University and University of Maine in Orono. Most of her life she worked in agricultural positions, either doing research or as a technician (field and laboratory). At the time of her illness, she was employed at Nova Agri Vegetable Packing Plant as a QA technician and related office duties. Previous to that she was employed at Avon Foods and Charles Keddy Nursery for years as well as taking on contracts at the Kentville Research Station and short term positions at various tissue culture labs. She fully enjoyed most of her jobs and put a lot of effort into them. Bernice attended, as well as volunteered, at the Christian Reformed Church, Kentville, teaching Sunday school for years and as a VBS co-coordinator for five years. She taught GEMS (a girls club) for 11 years and was co-coordinator for eight years. She was also involved with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and had three matches over the seven years that she was involved. Her hobbies included scrapbooking, photography, knitting and crocheting. She enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with her children and grandchild. Bernice is survived by her husband, William Porter, Steam Mill; a daughter, Lynn (Joseph) MacBeath, Kentville; a son, Scott Porter, at home; a grandson, Hayden Porter-MacAulay, North Kentville. She is also survived by four brothers, Gary (Joanna) Meijer, Prince Edward Island; Hank (Cheryl) Meyer, Aldershot, Kings County; Clarence Meyer (Chantal Avon), Hantsport; Henry (Susan) Meyer, Calgary, Alberta; two sisters, Ena (Peter) Macpherson, Halifax; Wilma (Curtis) Carty, New Minas; a number of nieces and nephews. Visitation was held from 7-9 p.m. Sunday, August 21, 2011 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2011 in the Christian Reformed Church, Kentville, Pastor Michael Veenema officiating. Burial took place in the Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill. Donations in memory may be made to Scott Porter's Educational Fund or GEMS CALL TO AFRICA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.