Martinson – Bernice Helen Martinson was born December 22nd, 1941 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Dorothy (Hudson) and Harry Martinsen. The oldest of Dorothy and Harry’s children, she was shortly followed by sisters Donna (m. Walter Guzik) and Linda (m. Stan Boychuk). The Martinsen family resided in Sutherland; a suburb of Saskatoon. Bernice attended elementary school and high school in Saskatoon where she excelled as an exceptionally gifted student. Following high school, Bernice attained her teaching certificate at the University of Saskatchewan and later returned to the U of S to complete a double bachelors in Arts and Science and Education. Bernice began her teaching career in Elnora, Alberta, where she taught for 10 years. She then moved to Brooks, Alberta to teach grade 3 at Eastbrook Elementary School, until her retirement in 2000, but she continued to substitute at both Eastbrook and Griffin Park Schools. While living in Brooks, Bernice joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church remained deeply important to her for the rest of her life. Bernice’s love of travel and adventure was limited by her health, but she was a fan of fast cars and motorcycles; often taking motorcycle trips with friends and, to the envy of many of her nieces and nephews, driving little sports cars. She would also often travel to various parts of the country to visit friends and family whenever she had the opportunity. Bernice peacefully passed away Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 at the age of 77 years, due to medical complications at the Brooks Medical Health Centre. She was predeceased by her mother Dorothy Martinsen, her father Harry Martinsen, and her sister Linda Boychuk. She is survived by her sister Donna Guzik (Walter), nieces and nephew: Theresa Wilson (Stuart), Catherine Guzik (Manu), John Guzik, Donamarie Lukie (Craig), and Nasha Spence (Seann), great-nieces and nephew (MacKenzie (Colin), Anika, Simon, Gretchen, Clara, Aleska, Gabriella), her brother-in-law Stan Boychuk (Jan), niece and nephews: David Boychuk, Peter Boychuk (Joan), and Liz Boychuk (Nikki), great nephews (Evan, Sully, Gus, Alexander) and many close friends. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Brooks medical community, Sunrise Gardens Assisted Living, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brooks Ward for all the care and support provided to Bernice and the family over the years. A Memorial Service was held for Bernice on Monday, September 30th, 2019 at 11:00 AM from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brooks. It was her wish to be buried next to her mother in the community of Spinney Hill with the ashes of her dog Holly at her side. A private family interment will occur at a later date.
Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652
“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”
