HILDA “BERNICE” LEWIS
(nee Fogal)
August 11, 1935 – August 31, 2024
In loving memory of Hilda “Bernice” Lewis (nee Fogal). Loving wife of her cherished husband Elwood Lewis (predeceased January 2024), spending nearly 70 years as partners in life’s fun, adventurous and challenging times. Proud mother and life- long role model of her three daughters Brenda (Gary) Smith, Marilyn (Dan) Proulx and Leanne Lewis (Jus Labelle). Most loved grandmother of Darren (Pauline), Dayna (Billy), Deanna, Janelle (Andrew), Lucas (Julia), Devin (Kennedy) and Justin (Makenna and Easton). Great-grandmother to Hunter (Brenna), Madison, Noah, Mason and Ella. She was excited to know she would be a great-grandmother again in February 2025. Special mother figure to Nancy Collins-Smith. Bernice was born in Spring Bay to parents Della (Legge) and Wesley Fogal. She was well protected by brothers Arden, Andy, Garnet and Arthur (all predeceased). She is survived by in-laws Betty Fogal, Grant (Evelyn) Lewis and Laurine (Charlie) Smith. She was a special aunt and great-aunt to several nieces and nephews. Bernice left us peacefully and unexpectedly in her 90th year. She grew up on the family farm near Spring Bay and was married there in 1954. She and Elwood bought their own farm in Grimesthorpe and started farming on their own in 1959. They raised their three girls on the farm, working hard but always making time for socializing and having fun. They had many friends on Manitoulin Island and Tara and cherished time spent with them all. Bernice worked as a caretaker for several American and Canadian cottage owners, becoming close friends with them all. She worked diligently on the farm , but also spent several years working at Patterson’s Store/Post Office and with the Manitoulin Home Care Program as a caregiver. She enjoyed her volunteer positions with the Providence Bay Agriculture Society, the Campbell Horticultural Society, the Providence Bay Curling Club and the Manitoulin Family Resources clothing depot well into her 80s. She had a knack for flower arranging and had a green thumb for growing flowers and vegetables. Never being one to waste anything, she used her produce wisely in preserving and pickling. At Christmas, each family member received the pie of their choice even if it meant making 10 pies. She was well known for her ‘Manitoulin Potato Salad’ and Aunt Evelyn’s chocolate cake. She loved time spent at their hunt camp in Long Bay. She was an avid ball player and enjoyed broomball when younger, and spent many years on and off the ice enjoying the sport of curling. She and Elwood enjoyed many musical events and loved to sing and entertain. She loved finding a bargain and family members only had to mention something they were in need of once and she was sure to find it promptly. She regularly shared her bargains and masterpieces from the kitchen. She loved shopping trips to Espanola. Her favourite time was spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she loved being included in all their lives. She dealt with many adversities in her life but remained positive, resilient and cheerful. The family is at peace knowing Bernice and Elwood will be together once again to celebrate their 70th anniversary together on September 7, 2024. Family and close friends of Bernice gathered at Simpson Funeral Home, Gore Bay for a visitation on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm. Interment will took place in the Grimesthorpe Cemetery. Reception followed, all were welcome. Donations may be made to the Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary. Please share your thoughts, memories and photos at www.simpsonfuneralhome.ca
