We Remember
FORBER, Bernhardine “Berna”
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Affectionately known to most as Omi, to some as Berna, the loss of her, to us is monumental.
If you knew Berna you would see her as a trooper, always doing what needs to be done without complaint, often seen absorbing life’s challenges in stride, you wouldn’t know she was being tested to her limits. Often people like her are seen as not requiring assistance in coping with difficult times, but they are suffering inside like the rest of us, and like a hardy rose bush bounce back.
Not long ago Bernhardine and her husband Tom Forber lost their beloved daughter Ann Forber/Stinn, a few years later she lost her husband Tom after nearly 60 years of marriage with the last years Tom requiring care, Berna cared for Tom until his last week spent in the hospice….again never faltering.
After Tom’s passing she continued to live in her home at The Point at Gellatly making some new friends while living her life taking pride in her surroundings and everything she did, she loved baking and made fantastic old style home dishes to die for, she loved teddy bears, bunnies, chicken & rooster figures, kittens, collecting odd items and was an accomplished artist and worked in her garden still moving rocks at 87.
To say Bernhardine Forber was lovely would sell her short, but lovely she was. We thought the way she was going we’d have her for at least another 10 years, but things were cut short, she passed away peacefully in her sleep on Christmas morning. She will be sorely missed, but not forgotten by those who knew or met her……..
Berna (Omi) is survived by her daughter Frances Veronica Gallant, Robert Gallant (hus), grandaughters Bridgit Switzer,(hus) Alexander Switzer, Caitlin Gallant. Grandson Matthew Stinn, Morgan Stinn (wife), great-grandchildren Nikolai & Aubree.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Sending our most heartfelt condolences to Fran, Rob, Bridgit, Caitlin and the rest of the family. Berna was every child’s Omi and we too shall miss her greatly. With love from Jean, Gary and our entire family💞
I met Omi only once,but felt like I had known her my whole life,
Condolences to her family
Vale omi
Matt and Fran, words cannot express my deepest pain and sorrow for your loss. Berna took me in and gave me a mother’s love when I was a kid in the ’70s. I didn’t know what a loving family was but she showed me. I was loved just the way I was and she made her home, my home too. Her smile and the sparkle in her eyes always reminded me that laughter could always be found if I would just look for it. Berna and Thomas lived a rich and full life while always giving, always caring, and always selflessly loving everyone they touched. I’ll treasure their memory and try to emulate the lives they shared. I grieve with you and will always remember that I’m a better person for having known Berna, Thomas, and Ann.
We have known Bernadine for 20 years since we moved to the Pointe. In the summer you could always find her working in her garden. We would always stop and chat.. She was a special person, who touched your heart. We will always miss her.
I didn’t know Bernie well but we would always visit if she was in the yard as I had my morning walk. I will remember her as a gentle, friendly person and I am sure she will be sadly missed by her family and our neighbours at the Pointe.
Bernadine was a very special lady. It has been our good fortune to have known her for the past 21 years. She will be so sadly missed at The Pointe but the memories will last forever.
We will remember that Bernadine was always smiling and very friendly. We saw her often attending functions at the Pointe clubhouse. It is with saddens that we as a community cannot give her and the other residents who have us a proper good bye due to the pandemic.
So sorry for your loss. I often met with Bernadine at various Pointe events and enjoyed her company. Years ago she gave me her recipe for Strawberry/Lavender jam (which is a family favourite) and provided the lavender for it ever since. Times change but quite sure the curve around unit 121 will always remind me of Bernadine and lavender. Sincerely, Reita Doak
My name is Ralf Schmelter-Porbadnik. I am writing from Germany, on behalf of my parents Lotte Schmelter and Ernst Schmelter (92 and 88 years old).
My mother met Berna, as she called her, after the Second World War in Münster-Angelmodde and they became friends. They were in frequent contact, wrote and phoned with each other. This Christmas my parents couldn’t reach Berna and were concerned. Because both don’t speak any English, they asked me for help. The internet brought a quick but sad solution.
My parents want to express their deep sorrow and condolences to all of Berna’s children, grandchildren and friends. In their thoughts she lives on, especially with my mother. I guess there are not many people who still know Berna from such a long time!? Warm greetings from Germany and a picture from their last personal meeting in 1990.