It is with much sorrow that the family of Bernice Catherine Brubaker (Boots) announce that early on the morning of June 1st, 2017 Boots made her final journey and has now reunited with her heavenly family.
Boots was born in Regina SK, April 20, 1921. The family soon moved to Kenora where she grew up with brothers Wallace and Arthur and sisters Peggy, Irene and Joey. In 1938, during a visit with her sister in Timmins ON, Boots met Anselme (Sam) Lalonde, the man who would become her husband and father of her children. She took her little family back to Kenora while Sam served his country overseas during the war years and upon his return, they made Kenora their home.
Boots was predeceased by her parents Michael & Florence Harrington; brothers Wallace and Arthur; sisters Agnes (Peggy) and Irene; In-laws Fred Weber, Anthony Pekarchuk and Ralph Hudson; her first husband Sam Lalonde, her second husband Alex Brubaker, grandson Philip Lalonde and stepson David Brubaker.
Cherishing her memory is her sister Emily(Joey) Pekarchuk and sister in law Alyce Harrington: daughters Diane (Bill) Pochailo and children Douglas (Louise) and Janis Dicks; Lorna (Cecil) Haney and son Kevin (Sherry); Michele (Genvie) Grafham and children Shannon (Craig) Robinson and Dan (Amanda): sons Raymond (Sharon) Lalonde and children Rachelle (Kelvin) Davenport and Michael (Serena); Philip (Ellen) Lalonde and daughter Leslie Burke (Ray): Stepdaughter Linda (Hakan) Andersson and children Kristy (Darcy) and Erik (Kim): Stepson Rick (Sherri) Brubaker and children Josh (Nikki) and Trina (Ryan): great grandchildren Nicholas and Natalia Pochailo, Andrea and Emma Dicks, Andi Davenport, Kaitlynn and Rebecca Burke, Camden Robinson, Joshua Haney, Bryce and Bryelle Abby, Meadow Code and Marshall Stephenson, Kaylen and Nathan Andersson, Tristen and Lucy Brubaker: great great grandchildren Gunnar Keck, Addie and Lillie Abby. Also numerous nieces, nephews, Lalonde and Brubaker family members and friends.
It’s impossible to capture 96 years in a few sentences. Born in 1921, mom survived poverty, the Great depression, growing up without her mother, raising a family while her husband was at war, showing such strength and still always loving, kind, generous and smiling. As things automated over the decades from having to do everything by hand, life became easier and in her retirement years mom was able to relax, travel, and really enjoy her life. She was an excellent seamstress and avid knitter. She loved being with her family and many friends, sharing fun and laughter.
Mom always considered Kenora as her home. Although she lived for many years in Duncan and Lake Cowichan BC, and enjoyed winters spent in Arizona, she eventually returned home, residing with her daughter Lorna, later moving to Benidickson Court and this past year at Pinecrest Home where she happily enjoyed the care the dedicated staff members in Unit Two provided and the creative projects made available to the residents by Theresa and her activation team.
The family wish to thank the caregivers at Benidickson who were so great during the 5 years mom lived there. Thank you to Dr. Anderson and all of the staff at Pinecrest for the service they provided and friendship and compassion they shared with our mom. Also a thank you to all the volunteers who brighten up the lives of the seniors who live there.
Service for Boots Brubaker will be held in Kenora at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church on June 15, 2017 at 11:00.a.m.
In lieu of flowers, and if friends so desire, donations to the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation for the District of Kenora Home for the Aged Endowment Fund will be appreciated (Box 441, Kenora P9N 3X4), or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.
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