Mom was granted everlasting peace when she passed into God’s hand at Lincourt Manor, St. Stephen, NB, on Sunday January 31, 2021.
She was born in Pleasant Ridge NB in 1925 to Charles & Pearl (Boles) Stewart. She was the fourth of nine children.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by first husband Melvin Tucker (1955) & second husband James T. Giddens (1995).
Bernice is survived by her children: Linda (Ben) Sullivan, Fredericton, Margaret Macintosh, Truro, Kim Tucker (Barb), Dieppe, Kurt Tucker (Pam), St Stephen, "Tex" James Giddens (Charlotte), Chamcook, and Peter Giddens (Michelle), St Stephen. She is also survived by her grandchildren: James Sullivan, Vancouver, Patrick Sullivan, Halifax, Pamela Mitchell, Halifax, Angela McCarthy, (Quinn), Truro, Jill Tucker, Halifax, Chris Tucker, Montreal, Dustin Tucker, St Stephen, Stuart Tucker, Saint John, Jeremy Nixon, (Nora), Fredericton, Ryan Giddens (Meaghan), Charlottetown, Andrew Giddens (Krissi), St Stephen, Scott Giddens (Amy) St Stephen, fifteen great-grandchildren and one brother Bill Stewart (Rose), Bocabec.
Mom left Pleasant Ridge when she was 15 and moved to St Stephen to work in the cotton mill. She worked there a few short years & then married and had 4 children within 6 years. Her first husband Melvin passed when she was 30. She married a second time to James and had 2 more children. She was a stay at home mom but went to work at Ganong’s once her children had grown. She developed many friendships while there.
After retirement mom liked to knit, volunteer & help out where ever she could. Up until 2 years ago mom would knit over 50 pairs of mittens each year & donate them to charity.
Mom was a lifetime member of Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary & was a regular supporter well into her late eighties. She was also a lifetime member of the Catholic Woman’s League. She was life long member of the Holy Rosary Church.
Mom was a bird loving, independent and feisty lady. She was humble, with no desire for attention. She enjoyed the simple natural things in life. She was devoted parishioner and believed things would always work out.
Some dream of winning the lottery & travelling; mom’s dream was to win the lottery & open a soup kitchen to help others. "If I can’t help others then why did God place me on this earth?" We lost a hero & heaven has gained an angel.
Since before 1987 Mom was a regular donor to the I. W.K. and we were told it was because she loved children. For those wishing to make donations please consider I.W.K., the local food bank or another charity that you truly believe in.
Mom spent August and September on the second floor of the Charlotte County hospital & a special thank you to the staff for their excellent care. The staff at Lincourt Manor went beyond our expectations helping our mom & family through the last four months. Thank you all.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday February 5 from 1:00 PM 3:00 pm. A private family funeral service will be held which will be livestreamed on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 3:30 PM with Reverend Father Suresh Savariraj officiating. The link for the live feed: https://youtu.be/gVJ74VEK_-s
Interment at the Milltown Roman Catholic Cemetery, Barter Settlement, NB.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions, please keep in mind that masks are mandatory and social distancing is strongly encouraged for the visitation at the funeral home.
Arrangements in care of The S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home Ltd., 23 Main St. St. Stephen, NB.