Bernice Ingibjorg Becker (nee Eyjolfson) passed away peacefully at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the age of 76 years. She was born on the family farm north of Churchbridge on April 27, 1940, the eldest daughter of Brandur and Margaret (nee Rathgeber) Eyjolfson. She was baptized on May 19, 1940 at Concordia Lutheran Church and was later confirmed on July 26, 1953. Bernice's parents moved into town when she was a young child. She attended school in Churchbridge and graduated from high school in 1958. After graduation, she worked at the telephone office as a switchboard operator. Bernice married Erwin Becker on April 24, 1959. They made their home on the Becker Family farm just outside of Churchbridge where she lived until the time of her passing. Bernice and Erwin were blessed with four daughters; Bonnie, Shannon, Lynette and Carroll. She was a stay at home Mom, always there for her girls. Bernice never wanted to be in the limelight and preferred a quiet involvement. However, she was very active and extremely busy with the girls and with community activities. She spent hours with the figure skating club organizing test days, carnivals, selecting music and sewing numerous skating dresses and costumes. She was instrumental in providing music opportunities for the girls in piano, choir and band which eventually led to their chosen careers. She was committed to the Potashville Music Festival and served many years as Entry Secretary and on the Awards committee. Donor's Choice became important to her and she canvassed and served as treasurer for the local organization. Most important to Bernice was her work for the church. She became a member at Trinity Lutheran Church and spent nearly 43 years as the financial secretary. She also looked after the memorial donations, organized Vacation Bible School, served on the LWML and spent countless hours as a serving group convenor, providing lunches and suppers for many funerals, anniversaries, farewells, etc. Her kitchen table was always covered with sewing fabric, lists, papers or books from any one of those activities. Bernice loved the farm. Given a choice, she preferred to be at home over any other place. She helped Erwin on the farm by hauling grain and by driving the tractor out in the field. Bernice could always be counted on to keep things running smoothly during the busy seasons. She always had a large garden, which included the flowers she loved. She enjoyed fussing over her cats; some whom eventually ended up in the house if they were injured or abandoned. She enjoyed knitting and working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles. Even though she didn't often sit, her television was always on so she could keep up with her favourite shows; however, she would sit down (and jump up and down) while she watched Roughrider football games. Bernice always loved a good visit and would spend hours and hours on the phone with her cup of coffee in hand. Most of all, Bernice enjoyed the time spent with her family. She made every occasion special, whether it was a birthday, baptism, confirmation, graduation or a wedding. She and Erwin spent many hours babysitting the grandchildren and attending many concerts, recitals, festivals, hockey and ball games. Bernice and Erwin were true partners in every sense. There weren't many things that Bernice did without Erwin at her side. Bernice was predeceased by infant brother, Delmar, her parents, Brandur and Margaret Eyjolfson and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She is survived by Erwin, her loving husband of 57 years; daughters, Bonnie (Jerry) Lisitza, Shannon (Rick) McIntyre, Lynette (Sheldon) Kaminski and Carroll (Kevin) Dyck; Grandchildren, Ashton (Rhose), Bryce and Darnell Lisitza, Brendon (Tara), Riley and Devynn McIntyre, Noah and Kerrigan Kaminski, Jory, Ethan and Jonah Dyck; Great-grandchildren, Drazmine Palma and Kagomae Lisitza; her sister, Wendy (Glen) Schaan; sister-in-law, Erna (Fred) Hutchings; brother-in-law, John Kurucz, her Godchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. A Service of Comfort for Family and Friends was held on Thursday, May 19, 2016 and the Funeral Service was held on Friday, May 20, 2016. Both services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Churchbridge, SK with Pastor Jeff Dul officiating. The obituary was read by Sheldon Kaminski. The organist, Vallery Putland and pianist, Devynn McIntyre led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Blest Be The Tie That Binds" and "In Christ Alone". Special music included, "Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" a saxophone duet by Kevin and Jory Dyck and "For Life and All It's Richness" sung by Bernice's daughters, grandchildren and friends. The recessional was "Saviour, Again To Thy Dear Name We Raise". The Interment Service followed in the Churchbridge Town Cemetery with Bernice's grandchildren sharing in the honour of being her casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
