It is with great sadness that the family of Gisèle Marie Bernard (née Gauthier) announce her passing on September 13th, 2022 at the North Bay Regional Hospital after a brief illness. She will be forever missed and loved by her son Carey Bernard, daughter in-law Pam and her daughter Shannon Bernard, son in-law Jonathan (Jay); her grandchildren Emalee, Kalie, Madisyn, Arlo and Toby; her best friend Angèle Francoeur; her brothers Donald (Liette), Roland (Marie), Réal, Raymond (Gayle); sisters Viviane (Gord), Diane (Bob), Lise; nephews, nieces and many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by her. She is predeceased by her parents Edward and Eveline and dear brother Hector (Gisèle).
Gisèle was born January 19, 1944 in Astorville, Ontario to Edward and Eveline, the eldest of 8 children. Her caring nature naturally led her to several occupations involving helping others: nursing, homecare, working at a daycare and seniors’ home and volunteering at the Golden Age. She loved old country music (Charlie Pride and Kenny Rogers were favourites); line dancing (she was a Shadfly Stomper); playing cards (cribbage and euchre); gloating when winning at cards; Chinese food; barbecued hamburgers and her family and friends.
She had a great sense of community no matter where she lived – helping out with potlucks or Christmas parties. She also had a great sense of family – never known to miss a family wedding, funeral, or baby shower.
Although she was short in stature, she was mighty. Friends of her son and daughter always knew they were in trouble when she would switch to French when yelling.
Special thank you to her best friend Angèle who was always by her side and daughter in law Pam who cared for her when she was having difficulty caring for herself. She was very thankful for you both.
In keeping with Gisèle’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and the family will be receiving visitors at McGuinty Funeral Home (North Bay) on Sunday September 18, 2022 between the hours of 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM. A memorial mass will follow at St. Thomas d’Aquin (Astorville) on Monday September 19, 2022 at 10AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences can be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com