In the early morning of Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Bernie slipped away, peacefully at Guelph General Hospital, at the age of 92. She was born on March 26, 1931 in Chatham, Ontario to Betty and Homer Gignac.
She was predeceased by her parents and older brother, William Gignac. Bernie is survived by her loving children, Mary Lalonde (Dave) and Daniel LeCapelain (Kara), grandchildren, Nicole Lalonde (Brent Rowan), Jordan Lalonde (Amy), Alysha LeCapelain, Nathan Lalonde, Katie Milbrandt and Kelly Milbrandt, great grandchildren, Izaak Rowan, Zadyn Lalonde-Khan, and Alex Lalonde, and younger brother, Richard Gignac (Gayle) as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.
With an excellent appetite until the very end, she lived a fiercely independent life in her own apartment, driving, enjoying euchre nights with friends and happy hour with her family. Bernie was a wild child who left a life in the convent to live a truly unique and unconventional journey. She never hesitated to try zip lining in her senior years, take up motorcycling, hitchhike across France or drive to Florida by herself, as just a few examples of her adventurous spirit. She trained in therapeutic touch, tai chi, shamanism and loved attending drum circles, pow wows and many other community events. She loved working in the community garden and harvesting fresh vegetables to share with friends and family.
Many thanks to the staff at Guelph General Hospital 7E who provided wonderful care in her final two weeks.
Bernie LeCapelain aka Mom, aka Nan, aka GNan will be missed and forever loved.
A drop in celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2024 from 1-4pm in the Garden Room at 401 Edinburgh Rd. N. Guelph ON. Some visitors parking available at the building. Additional (paid) parking in the lot at St. Joseph's Long Term Care Facility next door.
Memorial donations may be made to, https://theseedguelph.ca/donate/
Arrangements entrusted to Brombal Funeral Home