Obituary

Bernice passed away peacefully Monday, August 21, 2023, in her 90th year. She was a fiercely loving, loyal and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who shared her stories, her humour, her prayers and her advice with all. She was the ‘glue’ that held us together and in passing, we know will continue to do so. Her wisdom and knowledge enriched our lives. Mom lived a life of incredible riches in that she gave unselfishly to all. It was a life that we can all learn from and model – she didn’t have riches to give, but instead shared an abundance of love and wisdom. Her greatest attribute was just the simple ability to reach out and listen. Mom spent 35 years teaching with the Toronto District Catholic School Board and spent 34 of those years teaching JK/SK at St. James School. She was a loving and cherished mother to Mary Cubello and Carol Fitzmaurice (Stuart Church). She loved and was proud of her two grandchildren, Brendan Cubello (Ellen) and Kaitlyn Church (Ryan), and step grandson Kyle Church. They will forever cherish their memories and will miss receiving ‘gas money,’ and taking part in take-out dinners. In completing the ‘circle of life,’ she welcomed her first great grandchild, Samuel on August 19th. Though they had little time together, she will forever watch over him and he did receive gas money! Bernice was the daughter of the late James Schmidt and Gertrude Costello. Survived by sisters Marijane Hutter (George) and Carol Mitchell (Robert). She is predeceased by her dear and loving husband, Jack Fitzmaurice and infant daughter Marie, her sisters Helen and Marie, and her brothers, Leo and Clarie. She is lovingly remembered by her brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Colgan, Ontario (2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0) on Thursday, August 24 th at 11:00am. Lunch to be held following mass at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham. Cremation to follow at a later date with a private interment at St. James Cemetery, Colgan, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Matthews House Hospice, 131 Wellington St E, Alliston, ON L9R 1G7. To leave expressions of sympathy please visit www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com