Bernice passed away peacefully Monday, August 21, 2023, in her 90th year. She was a fiercely loving, loyal and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who shared her stories, her humour, her prayers and her advice with all. She was the ‘glue’ that held us together and in passing, we know will continue to do so. Her wisdom and knowledge enriched our lives. Mom lived a life of incredible riches in that she gave unselfishly to all. It was a life that we can all learn from and model – she didn’t have riches to give, but instead shared an abundance of love and wisdom. Her greatest attribute was just the simple ability to reach out and listen. Mom spent 35 years teaching with the Toronto District Catholic School Board and spent 34 of those years teaching JK/SK at St. James School.
She was a loving and cherished mother to Mary Cubello and Carol Fitzmaurice (Stuart Church). She loved and was proud of her two grandchildren, Brendan Cubello (Ellen) and Kaitlyn Church (Ryan), and step grandson Kyle Church. They will forever cherish their memories and will miss receiving ‘gas money,’ and taking part in take-out dinners. In completing the ‘circle of life,’ she welcomed her first great grandchild, Samuel on August 19th. Though they had little time together, she will forever watch over him and he did receive gas money! Bernice was the daughter of the late James Schmidt and Gertrude Costello. Survived by sisters Marijane Hutter (George) and Carol Mitchell (Robert). She is predeceased by her dear and loving husband, Jack Fitzmaurice and infant daughter Marie, her sisters Helen and Marie, and her brothers, Leo and Clarie. She is lovingly remembered by her brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Colgan, Ontario (2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0) on Thursday, August 24 th at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be held following mass at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham, Ontario. Cremation to follow at a later date with a private interment at St. James Cemetery, Colgan, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Matthews House Hospice, 131 Wellington St E, Alliston, ON L9R 1G7.
Service
Funeral Mass
St. James Church
2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Tottenham L0G1W0
Thursday August 24, 2023
11:00am
Francy Pillo-Blocka says
Dear Mary, Carol & Family,
Your Mom was such a wonderful blessing. Despite her being in her 90th year, she is still gone too soon.
She is your forever-angel, listening, guiding and looking out for you all. Keep an eye out for her.
Solemnly yours,
Fran & Dan Blocka
Cathy Elwood Hudson says
My deepest sympathies to all of you!
Mrs Fitzmaurice was my first school teacher ever in 1969 at St James ~I absolutely loved her. As life went on I often wondered and thought about her throughout the years! Looks like she had a wonderful life, and by her picture she didn’t change. I was a lil 5year old girl who she entered her class scared and tried to leave several times at recess to go home to my mom, but Mrs Fitzmaurice held my hand everyday! May she rest in eternal peace! She will always have a very special place in my heart .
Rest in Peace
Sincerely Lil Cathy Elwood (that’s what she called me) now Cathy Hudson… and almost 60 years old ! Will never forget her ❤️
Glen and Gale Schlueter says
Mary and family, so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Our condolences.
Glen and Gale Schlueter
Sheila Hayes says
My sincere condolences
Sandy Weatherall says
Mary and Carol, I just read in the paper about your mom. I am so saddened to hear this. She was a great friend when living here. I’m sure you girls will miss her dearly. Laverne and I send out our heartfelt sympathy to you girls and all the family. May she rest in peace.
Velma and Richard Wace says
So sorry Mary for the loss of your mom. Our sincere condolences.
Velma and Richard Wace
Mary Kitchen says
My deepest sympathy to Bernie’s family. I arrived in T.O. back in the fifties, a shaky farm girl. The Schmidt family gave me a soft place to land. Bernie was an inspiration, a loving daughter who a mother could lean on, a caring older sister to her siblings and Steadfast , non-complaining worker. All this with a sense of humour, Bernie was quiet unassuming hero for this transplanted teen and just what I needed then.
May she rest in peace .
Nancy Barton says
Mary & Brendon,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother and Grandmother,
Our sincere condolences at this sad time.
Debbie Rick Monck says
God Bless Your Mom . What a special lady. You are in our thoughts and prayers . Love Rick and Debbie Monck
Peggy Marcon says
She is a peace. Remember – as a wise man said – we are but our stories. And your mother will be forever with you as those stories you remember. Each time you recall “a time” or share “a moment”, she is there. Forever.
Janie and Willie Gregg says
Mary and Brendon, I was so sorry to hear of your mom and grammas passing. We used to chat when she came to visit and went out for little walks, we would exchange stories of how the world was changing! She was always smiling and loved her family. She was such a warm friendly person and will live on in your hearts forever.
Gloria says
Bernice was truly a beautiful person. She will be missed.
Sending our love and prayers to the entire family.
Love John, Gloria,Nicolas and Alyssa Zamanis
&
Carmela Cubello
&
Ted Zamanis
Pauline weber says
Your memories of this family matriarch will last forever and the path she set out for those who follow will never be overgrown. Blessings to you all.
Lana Whyte says
Sending love & prayers to the family & may all of the wonderful memories help & guide you through. She will be with you always. All our love, Peter, Lana, Colin & Duncan Whyte.