Obituary of Bernice Genevieve Richards (McKinley)

Age 88, Halifax, (formerly of Sydney) passed away peacefully on May 10, 2015 at Arborstone Home for Enhanced Care. Born March 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, she was the youngest child and only daughter of the late Wilfred Louis and Grace Catherine (Heron) McKinley-Shurman. A supportive, kind and wise woman, Bernice always put the concerns and passions of her family first. She had a the heart and spirit of a proud Cape Bretoner, schooled at Holy Angels Convent in Sydney, Bernice was a truly intuitive friend and supporter in casual life, and she was an excellent businesswoman, working at the Royal Bank in Halifax and as president of Trembley Signs (1978 Ltd.) Predeceased by her parents and sibling, William John Madden McKinley. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Donald Albert Richards; and by her adult children, Nancy Richards-Eisener (David Eisener) and Bill Richards (Andrea Macrae). Her loss is profoundly heart wrenching. For those who loved her, there are huge vacancies in our souls. Bernice nurtured and positively affected everyone who came into her "space". She forgave, she was a great example of a generous and joyful spirit. She always gave thanks to God for strength in difficult times and she praised Him for the amazing beauty in the lives, both animal and botanical, and loves around her. She was an angel of the earth. Cremation has taken place under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. Bernice’s funeral will occur at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 3 Dakin Drive, Bedford on Thursday May 14 at 10 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, Alzheimer Society, UOAC, or to the charity of your choice. A private burial will take place, immediate family members only, please.