Bernice Elizabeth Nelson (nee Brekkaas) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, in Fort St. John, British Columbia, at the age of 76 years after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bernice will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, Elliott and their children, Randy (Bonny), Debra (David) Potter, Darla (Kerry) Orcutt, Lisa (Peter) Hunszinger, Troy (Carole), and Shane (Shona). Bernice will also be fondly remembered by her fourteen grandchildren, Justin (Kamie), Kara (Kyle), Megan (AJ), Brandon (Denee), Courtney (Meghan), Tyrell (Lacey), Christopher (Lina), Kristina, Garnett, Connor, Rachel, Adam, Katea and Jessica, by her eleven great grandchildren Kraden, Camron, Alex, Emmynd, Ella, Hailey, Elliotte, Kenidee, Emily, Charlie and Josie, and by her sister, Caroline (Birger) Garberg. Bernice was predeceased by her sisters, Elborg Alton and Anna Chase, and her brother Olaf Brekkaas.
Bernice was born on November 15, 1939 in Poplar Hill, Alberta to Ole and Alma Brekkaas. She married her childhood sweetheart, Elliott Nelson on Jan 4, 1957 and they made Fort St. John their home in 1964. Bernice passionately embraced being a mom and grandma. She loved nothing more than to be surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also touched the lives of many more children as a caregiver and day home provider for over 40 years.
A funeral service in memory of Bernice was held on Monday, November 7, 2016 at 1:00 pm, at the Charlie Lake Community Church, 12731 244 Road, Charlie Lake, Pastor Andrew MacGregor officiated.
The family would like to thank the staff at Fort St. John Hospital for their gentle compassion and care. Memorial donations, in memory of Bernice, may be made to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation (Cancer Treatment and Diagnostic Fund).