Valentine Bernardin

Valentine Bernardin (Deloison)

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mom (Mémère) at the age of 93.  Mom passed away at West Park Manor on April 4, 2022, a place she called home for the last 10 years.

Valentine is survived by her children, Raymond (Barb), Monique (Colin), Charles (Giselle), Albert, Mercedes (Ron), Roland (Sandy), Yves (Deane) and Christiane (Daniel). She also leaves behind 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Mom was predeceased by her partner Charles Balmer, her husband Raymond Bernardin, her son-in-law Colin Vann and three grandsons, Lee Bernardin, Michael Bernardin and Christian Caron.

She was born in France on September 29, 1928 in the village of Pende. Daughter of Charles and Helena Deloison and one of six children. Having moved from France at the age of 18, she would often speak lovingly of her family and how she missed them.

Mom’s adolescent years were during WWII when France was under invasion. Like many children who grew up in Europe during the war, she grew up quickly and experienced fear and hardship; something she seldom spoke of. 

Valentine (Titine) met our Dad, Raymond, during WWII and he returned to France to marry her in November of 1946.  Shortly after they were married they settled in Elie where she raised her 8 children. She was devoted to her role as a mother, always working hard to find ways to create a good life for us. She never complained.

Mom met Charlie in 1970, and were together for over 30 years.  Spending quiet time together they enjoyed Sunday drives and going  out for dinner. In her retirement years she lived privately and quietly, preferring to focus on the simple things in life. She spent her summer days in her garden, tending to flowers, beans and potatoes, perfecting her lawn and looking forward to noon when inevitably someone would show up for coffee. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at West Park Manor for the care and compassion they showed to our Mom; some of whom developed close relationships with her and will no doubt miss her wit and charm. 

So to honour Valentine’s life, we don’t ask for donations, but rather that each of us: enjoy the simple things in life, tend to our gardens, find ways to show our love for each other (and ourselves) a little more.

We invite family and friends to attend a Celebration of Life on Friday June 17, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Breezy Bend Golf Course, 7620 Roblin Blvd in Headingley. Mom will be laid to rest at a private family interment at Blessed Sacrament Church in Elie. A portion of her ashes will be brought to France and buried with her family.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 204-248-2201.  To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Valentine Bernardin, please visit our floral store.