Obituary of Berniece Susan Kessler

Berniece of Assiniboia, SK passed away on May 12, 2012 at the age of 89. She was born June 8, 1922 and raised on the family farm south of Willows, she took her schooling in the Empress School District. She completed a commercial business course and was employed with the family life insurance company in St. Victor. After WWII had begun, Berniece left St. Victor and moved to Ottawa to work for the Federal Government. She spent the next 7 years employed by the Department of National Health and Welfare. She lived with over 300 government girls in a residence called the Laurentian Terrace making many lifelong friends. In 1949 she returned to Assiniboia and married John Kessler and raised her family. Berniece worked for 10 years in the Assiniboia Medical Clinic and then moved on to SGI. After retirement she volunteered for St. George’s Roman Catholic Church. For a period of 15 years she faithfully typed the Sunday bulletin. She was active in several organizations serving as President of the CWL and the Kinette Club. For many years she was part of the musical group known as "The Entertainers”. Berniece loved to travel and spent many winters in Arizona and went on several cruises. She was an avid bowler, curler, and card player and introduced all of her grandchildren to the "slots” at the Casino. She spent many hours knitting, crocheting, reading, playing the piano and perfecting her unique hobby of yodeling. She will be lovingly remembered by son Allister Kessler (Donna), daughter Sue Kessler (Jim Connelly) and Leah Lunz (Ben). Grandchildren Krista BeBeau (Devin), John Kessler, Tara Roscoe (Elton), Christopher Connelly and Alicia Lunz. Five great-grandchildren Nerissa and Bostin BeBeau, Isabella and Isla Kessler and Jet Roscoe. Brother Gerald Farwell (Helen), Sisters-in-law Mary Daniels, Minnie Farwell and Georgie Farwell and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Berniece was pre-deceased by her husband John Kessler, parents Alex and Emma Farwell, brothers Wilbert, Herb, Carl (Marie), Sisters Eileen Strickland (Phil), Lorraine Leicester (Jon) and infant sister Marjorie. Sister-in-law Evelyn (Bob) Pellatt; Brothers-in-law Gerald Kessler and Charles Daniels and close cousin Jean Floyd. Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 2:00 P.M at St. George Roman Catholic Church, Assiniboia, SK, with Father Joy Montiague celebrant. The Pascal Candle was lit by Al Kessler, Sue Kessler and Leah Lunz. Readers were Sue Kessler, Leah Lunz and Alicia Lunz. Offertory gifts were presented by Tara Roscoe and Krista BeBeau. The eulogy was shared by Al Kessler. Active pallbearers were John Kessler, Christopher Connelly, Devin BeBeau, Elton Roscoe, Barry Hoffos and Allan Farwell. An honor guard was formed by the Catholic Women’s League. Interment took place at Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK. Tributes in memory of Berniece to the Prairie Villa, Box 1107, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0 were greatly appreciated.