Bernice Maxwell

We announce with great sadness the passing of Bernice Maxwell, on Friday, February 22, 2019, with her partner and family by her side.  She leaves to mourn her partner, Doug McInnes, children: Roxy, Robbie (Joni), Stepchildren, Debbie (Ken), Patty (Brad), Danny (Edie), David (Valerie), twelve grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, predeceased by her only sibling Jack Furrie in August of 2018.

Bernice was born on August 14, 1938 to Beatrice and Bernie Furrie in Keewana/Reedy Creek Area.  She had one younger brother Jack and they attended their primary school years in Alonsa, MB.  She was raised on a farm until the age of 9 before moving to Portage la Prairie, MB.

Bernice pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Winnipeg when her children were in high school.  After earning her degree, her first job was a credit manager at the Co-op. It was here that she met the love of her life, Doug McInnes.  The story goes…  he asked her if she wanted a grape and this began a lifetime of adventures together.

As a successful entrepreneur Bernice owned: Portage Lanes, Honey Bee, B & R Track Kitchen at the Assiniboine Downs, and for many years Bernice and Doug operated the Portage Golf Course Restaurant. Through the years, Bernice also held employment at:  Vogue Clothing, Marrs Fashions (for several years) and the Delta Research Station.  In addition,  Bernice catered weddings and numerous events including the traditional Blights Agri Sales Farmer Appreciation Barbecue.

Bernice loved her gardens and Bernice loved the water.  She was a sailor, a scuba diver, a swimmer, and a beach bum! And oh how she loved to  travel… she immersed herself in the culture of each and every country she visited. Together Doug and Bernice purchased their sailboat, Manitoba Morning and sailed out of Florida to many places.

Bernice was an avid volunteer at South Port and was an integral member of the Portage Grandmother’s Giving group.  She was the Central Plains RecPlex September 2018 member of the month and continued to go to the gym until mid January 2019... yes she was amazing!  As a long-time member of Prairie Pathfinders it wasn’t just walking, Bernice made it fun!

It didn’t matter how busy Bernice was, she always, always found time for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She leaves behind many happy memories with her family and long time friends.

This is the way Bernice lived her life:

Get up

Work hard

Go the extra mile

Take risks

Serve people with a smile

We would like to thank Dr. Finney and the staff at the Portage Cancer Care Clinic for the care and compassion Bernice received over the past 2 years.  And to Dr. Minuk and our special coordinator of care, Alexis at the Winnipeg Cancer Care Clinic, thank you for your expertise, continued support and care in the area of oncology and particularly multiple myeloma.  Palliative Care may very well be the most important unit in any hospital, and we thank Dr. Finney, and all the nursing staff at the Portage General Hospital who helped our family with this journey.

A Celebration of Bernice’s Life was held at the Glesby Center in Portage la Prairie at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2019.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8, Stephen Lewis Foundation – Grandmothers Giving, Box 462, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B7 or to a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com