THOMAS, BERNEICE MARY - 82, of North Head, Grand Manan Island passed away on Sunday morning November 2, 2008, at the Grand Manan Hospital after a lengthy illness, widow of the late Edgar Francis Thomas. Born at Grand Harbour she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Zelia (Wilson) Guptill. Berneice was a devoted mother and wife to her family as well as spending endless hours devoted to community activities. She was very active as a representative of the NB Heart and Stroke Foundation, the North Head Baptist Church, Sunday School, The Grand Harbour Baptist Sunday School, she was a former member of the Rebecca Lodge IOOF, a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #44, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Legion, Branch #44, she served in the Royal Canadian Army Women's Corp during the Second World War. She also served with the Royal Canadian Militia for over 23 years as a medical receptionist at the DVA Hospital, Saint John. Berneice was the proud recipient of the Queens Commission. Mrs. Thomas is survived by one daughter Carolyn (Walter) Morse of Grand Harbour; three sons, Rev. Rick (Sheila) Thomas of Petitcodiac, Kenneth (Dianne) Thomas, and Stewart (Carolyn) Thomas both of North Head, Grand Manan; one sister, Helen (Horace) Bagley of Saint John; three brothers, Keith (Phyllis) Guptill of Sussex, Clinton (Judy) Guptill, and Burton (Elizabeth) Guptill both of Saint John; as well as 12 grandchildren; 26 great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends and relatives at the North Head Baptist Church on Monday, November 2, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. From where the funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 12:30pm with Rev. Rick Thomas officiating assisted by Rev. Ron Ford, followed by a reception in the Church Hall. Interment will take place in the North Head Community Cemetery. The family requests donations are made to the NB Heart and Stroke Foundation or the North Head Baptist Church Memorial Fund. The funeral arrangements are in the care of Ells Funeral Home Inc., 1199 Route #776, Grand Manan, NB, E5G 1G2. Condolences, donations and messages of sympathy also may be sent to www.ells.ca.