Obituary of Bernie Ference

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Bernadette “Bernie” Ference was born on March 26, 1955, in Consort, Alberta. She was the tenth of twelve children born to Emeilia and Jack Beier.

Bernie grew up and attended school in both Compeer and Altario. After completing her studies in hairdressing at Marvel College in Edmonton, Bernie followed her dreams and began building a life of love and happiness. On June 29, 1974, she married her best friend, Jim Ference. Together, they shared a bond that would grow stronger with each passing year.

In the first year of their marriage, Bernie and Jim settled in Wainwright, where they welcomed their first daughter, Kim, on April 8, 1976. Their family grew once more when they moved back to Kirriemuir, and on June 26, 1979, they were blessed with a second daughter, Kari. Kirriemuir became home for Bernie for the remainder of her life—a place where she was deeply connected to family, friends and community.

Bernie passed away on March 13, 2025, at the University of Alberta hospital in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 69 years.

Bernie will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 50 years, Jim; children Kim (Bryan) Burrows and their children, Jaylen and Paige; Kari (Damian) Brennan and their children, Skyla and Levi; brothers and sisters, Irene (George) Krieger, Luci (Dan) Nicholls, Victor (Theresa) Beier, Linda (John) Litwin, Cathy (Dave) Laing, Lil (Bill) Foot, Rick (Jeanne) Beier, Sheila (Ron) Maxwell, Ernie (Denise) Beier; brother and sisters in laws; Shirley Ference, Ed (Isabel) Ference, Harvey (Joyce) Ference, Diane (Ken) Beier, Kathy (Alvin) Beier, Lynn Vert, Mervin (Denise) Ference, Anita Ference, Jerry; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bernie was predeceased by her parents (Jack and Emeilia), Jim’s parents (Tony and Jenny); brothers, Norbert and Jerome; brothers in law, Martin, Ervin, Steve; nephews, Darren and Randy.

A Celebration of Bernie’s life will be held on May 24, 2025. More information will be available closer to the date, please check back for further details.

Gregory's Funeral Home Inc.

www.gregorysfuneralhomes.com