Bertha (Restoule) Yzereef

It is with profound sadness that the family of Bertha Yzereef announce her passing, peacefully with family by her side at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on Sunday May 30, 2021.

Bertha was in her 95th year and will lovingly be remembered by her children, Brian Restoule (Carol) of Garson, Gloria Pageau (Kern) of New Hamburg, Glenn Yzereef (Marilyn) of Sudbury, Alan Yzereef (Rosemary) of Lively and Helena Potter of North Bay.  She was the cherished grandmother of Lois Lambert (Carl) , Dawn Restoule, Kristel Pallant (Andrew), Andrea Nguyen (Mike), Seth Yzereef, Abigail Yzereef (Curtis), Katie Yzereef, Al Jr. Yzereef, Matthew Yzereef (Kat) , Cory Potter and eight great grandchildren.  She will be missed by many nieces and nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in law,  the Howey family, her friend Cathy Slade and the Scarlet Bears of North Bay, and her friends and neighbours at Cassell Arms 2 apartments.

Bertha was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Yzereef, her parents, John C. And Pauline Restoule, her brothers and their spouses, Albert Restoule (Kathleen), Nelson Restoule (Madeleine), Howard Restoule (Elizabeth) and sisters Marilyn Restoule and Nellie Knight (Cecile).  She was also predeceased by her daughter, Valerie Yzereef and grand daughter, Sarah Yzereef.       

Bertha was born in Sturgeon Falls and raised on Dokis First Nation where she learned her love of music, her deep religious faith and her devotion to family. She moved to North Bay in 1943 and has lived in North Bay all of her life.  Her life has been a tapestry of living life to the fullest.  She took on many roles as matriarch of a large family, a musician, a woman of strong religious and spiritual strength and love for everyone.  Her home was a welcoming place for everyone who visited, and was joyful with music and stories and laughter.  She made everyone feel at home.  She had a hilarious sense of humour. Her smile and her laugh were contagious and her catch phrase “I do declare” always brought a smile to everyone who knew her.  She had the ability to conjure up a band and orchestrate a family concert like no other.  She was a pillar of strength and gumption to all who knew her, and the human definition of sunshine.  Her theme song, “Keep on the Sunny Side of Life” is a testament to her positive thinking and has left us with this to think on when times get rough.  She believed in the Power of Prayer and the healing that can be provided to one who believes and prays the rosary.

Bertha was a stay at home mom and then re-entered the workforce in 1976 as a Health Care Aide worker at Nipissing Manor and Cassellhome.  She retired from the workforce in 1991 and became a Pilgrimage Tour Organizer with her daughter, Helena for 17 years.  She was a member of the Pro-Cathedral Catholic Women’s League for 44 years.  She was a member of the North Bay Association of Volunteers from 1965-1975 and was the Chairman of Entertainment from 1968 – 1975 when she formed “Bertha’s Country Show”, providing entertainment at local nursing homes and the Psychiatric Hospital.  She included family and friends in her shows to ensure that everyone was included.  She organized yearly Christmas parties for the entertainers and continued organizing family gatherings over the years with musical sing- a- longs included.  No gathering was complete without her famous song books so all could join in on the singing.  We would sing her old country songs as loud as we could with her strumming along and happy to guide us through each number. She was very proud that her family kept the love of music going with many family members being musical.  The Circle will not be broken.

Bertha joined the Red Hat Society in 2008, a local chapter named the Scarlet Bears of North Bay and was affectionately known as the Duchess Minnie Pearl!

Bertha’s life has been rich in God’s love.  She has been a ray of sunshine for many and she will live on in our hearts and memories forever.    

Special thank you to Dr. Hasspieler, Dr. Jinnah, staff and nurses at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, Units A3, C1 and C3 and especially the GEM nurses, Naomi, Erin, Robbie and Andrea for their compassionate care; Hospital Chaplains, Jeff, Brittany and Beth and Monsignor Dave Tramontini of the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, you may make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Catholic Women’s League.

The family will be receiving visitors in a limited capacity at the McGuinty Funeral Home in North Bay on Thursday June 3, 2021 between the hours of 3-5 pm and 7-9pm.  Due to the current Covid -19 restrictions attendance at a visitation is scheduled by appointment only and is restricted to the number of attendees. Everyone attending must practice social distancing and wear a mask (please call 705-472-8520 to schedule your appointment)

A post pandemic memorial service and Celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com