1941 – 2025
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Bernice Jolicoeur (née Ross), who left this world peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Trillium Manor in Orillia, Ontario, in her 84th year.
Bernice was predeceased by her parents, Edward (1981) and Eunice (1994) McCulloch; her brother, Edward Liles (2021); her husbands, Erlan O’Neil (2008) and Cyrus Ross (2002); her stepdaughter, Suzanne Dowd (2007); and her nephew, Douglas Davies (1991).
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be cherished forever. She is deeply missed by her husband, Norman Jolicoeur of Windsor, ON, and her beloved children: Carolyn Elliott (George) of Strathroy, ON; Glenn Hines (Kim) of Fall River, NS; Warren O’Neil (Jennifer) of Mississauga, ON; and Shannon Galarneau (Bob) of Huntsville, ON.
Her spirit lives on in her cherished grandchildren: Stephanie Fleming (Greg), Meagan Elliott (Steven), Brittany Hines (Joe), Alicia Hines, Parker Hines, Cole Hines, Darian Galarneau, and Cassandra Galarneau, as well as her precious great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “B-Bop”: Brynlee, Brayden, Aurora, Raela, Élodie, and Roman. Bernice is also lovingly remembered by her brother, Terry Liles (Doreen) of LaSalle, ON, and her sister, Carolyn Davies (Richard) of Cache Bay, ON. She will forever hold a special place in the hearts of her nieces and nephews, Holly, Terry Jr., Brandi, Scott, David, and Duncan; her stepchildren, Karen Ross, Collette Ross, Sandra Ross, Chris Jolicoeur, and Tammy Broadfoot; and her many step-grandchildren. Born in Windsor and raised in Montreal, Bernice carried an effortless grace, a star-like quality many likened to Shirley Temple and Debbie Reynolds and the sounds of Carly Simon. She was a woman of warmth and poise, yet her greatest role was as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She taught us to love unconditionally, to find joy in simple moments, and to embrace life’s ups and downs with resilience and humour.
A meticulous homemaker, Bernice welcomed all with open arms and a warm, inviting kitchen. Her home was a place of laughter, where the scent of home-cooked meals lingered, and no one ever left hungry. She was known for her signature greeting: “Come on in, have a coffee, take off your coat, and stay awhile”—quickly followed by, “Are you hungry?” Her boundless energy and ability to juggle a home full of love and life were nothing short of remarkable. She shopped, cooked, cleaned, babysat, gardened, painted, volunteered, entertained, and still made time to listen—to truly listen—to those she loved truly.
A woman of exceptional character, Bernice forged lifelong friendships wherever she went. She took great pride in being part of the Red Hat Society, embracing its spirit of fun and sisterhood while always giving back to her community.
Music was woven into the fabric of her being. From Ella Fitzgerald to the great voices of her era, Bernice had a song for every moment. She was blessed with a beautiful voice, and she never hesitated to sing and dance, filling the room with joy. She even recorded her own CD and won Chartwell’s Senior Star contest, a testament to her passion for music. In later years, she found camaraderie and happiness at “The Hook” in Windsor, and if there had ever been a “Name That Tune” contest, she would have won every time.
Many knew Bernice as elegant, fashionable, and an impeccable hostess, but those closest to her knew she was also funny, fiercely protective, and incredibly strong. She could arm wrestle any man and probably win, shop until the rest of us dropped, and recount every detail of her jewelry collection to anyone who shared her passion. She had a twinkle in her eye, a mischievous sense of humour, and an infectious laugh that could turn into a full-on snort when she found something truly hilarious. Her love for animals was unwavering, and the words “Where’s those babies?!” would send her beloved pets running straight into her arms.
Today, her tiny room sits empty—a quiet space where the echoes of her final days still linger. The weight of her absence is undeniable, yet so is the magnitude of her love. Bernice lived her life with tenacity and grace, a heart so full that it always had room for more and a spirit that lifted those around her.
We lost our love angel on Valentine’s Day, but heaven gained a new Cupid. Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of Bernice’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, the OSPCA, or a charity of your choice—arrangements entrusted to Simcoe Funeral Home, 38 James Street East, Orillia, ON, L3V 1L1.
Rest peacefully, Mom. May we carry your love, your music, and your laughter with us always.