“Bernie” Bernice Mary Anderson (nee Carson) age 88, died peacefully on Tuesday February 28th, 2017, at the Malaspina Gardens Care Residence. Bernie was born on September 25, 1928, in Vancouver, B.C., to parents Mary & Donald Carson. She grew up with her eleven brothers and sisters on the family homestead near Pritchard, B.C. Although she was given the opportunity to continue her schooling past grade eight, her family decided she would instead go work as a live-in mother’s helper and housekeeper at the age of thirteen. She did this work for most of her teenage years until she went to work at the Barrier General Store. It was there she met Jack Anderson and they were married October 25, 1947. The newlyweds moved to Parksville, where Jack worked for what would become BC Hydro, while Bernie worked at the Red & White grocery store. Bernie’s career and focus changed when she became a full time mom with the arrival of Rick in 1954 and Maureen in 1956. Camping, travel, fishing, canning, knitting, bowling, curling, baking, country music and gardening were her favourite pastimes but her true gift to friends and family was her hospitality. She knew how to make everyone around her feel special. Bernie was a friend to many—known throughout her life for her warm personality, generosity, and sense of humour. Later in life, she enjoyed living in Westbank and Kamloops, and taking vacations in Canada and overseas. Bernie’s greatest joy was caring for and spending time with her family, in particular her grandchildren. Bernie was preceded in death by her husband Jack, companion Larry, and son Rick as well as nine brothers and sisters. She is lovingly remembered and will be forever missed by her daughter Maureen, grandchildren Erin, Kelly, Will and Reilly, her brother Charlie and sister-in-law Jean, and extended family and friends. Bernie’s family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at Malaspina Gardens and Nanaimo Seniors Village, Dr. Forrester and Linda Ziprick, and dear friends Hazel and Dennis Sirett for their tremendous care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Canadian Red Cross. A celebration of Bernie’s life will be held on Sunday, March 26th, from 2 pm to 4 pm in the Red Cedars/Maples Rooms at the Parksville Community Centre, 132 E. Jensen Avenue.