Bernice Annette Tennis (nee Epp)
October 31, 1940 – October 18, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Bernice Annette Tennis, on October 18, 2024, at Boundary Trails Health Centre. Bernice passed peacefully at the age of 83.
Born on October 31, 1940, on the family farm near Laird, Saskatchewan, Bernice was the cherished daughter of Sara and Wilmer Epp and shared a special bond as a twin with her brother, Lawrence Epp. Growing up on a mixed farm, she embraced the values of hard work and community early on, including the fond memory of delivering milk door-to-door before school by horse and wagon.
Bernice attended Rosthern Junior College (RJC) in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. Founded by Mennonite settlers, RJC instilled in her a deep appreciation for education, culture, and faith—values she carried with her throughout her life.
She began her career at the Laird Co-op in her hometown before an opportunity for advancement led her to Carman, Manitoba, in the mid-1960s, where she took on a role at the Carman Co-op. Over the years, Bernice’s dedication and work ethic saw her rise to Produce Manager, a position she held for over 35 years until her retirement in 1996.
Bernice married Ned (Edward) Tennis on May 25, 1996, and together they made their home in Carman, sharing 36 happy years. Bernice is lovingly remembered by her husband, Ned; her siblings, Doris Thiessen, Alice Pilatus, Lawrance Epp, and Mary-Jane Block; her sons, Ian Black (Laurie) and Greg Black; her stepsons, Kevin Tennis (Christina) and Cameron Tennis (Marietta); her grandchildren, Zachary Black, Misty Dawn Hassan (Tommy), and Kody Tennis; and her great-grandchildren, Rio, Oaklee, and Storm.
Retirement was a time of fulfillment for Bernice, who delighted in tending to her beautiful vegetable gardens and flower beds. Her green thumb and passion for the outdoors were evident in her immaculate yard, a labour of love she took pride in.
Bernice was deeply involved in her community, delivering Meals on Wheels, working with the Handi-Van committee, and helping organize auctions to raise funds for new transport vans. She was also a helping hand to seniors in need, offering her time to weed gardens and clean homes. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she never hesitated to lend a hand where needed. Bernice also devoted time to the MCC store, where she found joy in volunteering.
A talented seamstress, Bernice spent countless hours at her sewing machine, perfecting her craft. She had a remarkable gift for quilt-making, cutting and stitching together intricate pieces of fabric that became treasured works of art. These handmade creations adorned her home, and many lucky friends and family members were recipients of her beautifully crafted quilts.
Bernice will be remembered for her kind heart, quiet strength, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.
A private ceremony and interment will be held at a later date.
October 31, 1940 – October 18, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Bernice Annette Tennis, on October 18, 2024, at Boundary Trails Health Centre. Bernice passed peacefully at the age of 83.
Born on October 31, 1940, on the family farm near Laird, Saskatchewan, Bernice was the cherished daughter of Sara and Wilmer Epp and shared a special bond as a twin with her brother, Lawrence Epp. Growing up on a mixed farm, she embraced the values of hard work and community early on, including the fond memory of delivering milk door-to-door before school by horse and wagon.
Bernice attended Rosthern Junior College (RJC) in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. Founded by Mennonite settlers, RJC instilled in her a deep appreciation for education, culture, and faith—values she carried with her throughout her life.
She began her career at the Laird Co-op in her hometown before an opportunity for advancement led her to Carman, Manitoba, in the mid-1960s, where she took on a role at the Carman Co-op. Over the years, Bernice’s dedication and work ethic saw her rise to Produce Manager, a position she held for over 35 years until her retirement in 1996.
Bernice married Ned (Edward) Tennis on May 25, 1996, and together they made their home in Carman, sharing 36 happy years. Bernice is lovingly remembered by her husband, Ned; her siblings, Doris Thiessen, Alice Pilatus, Lawrance Epp, and Mary-Jane Block; her sons, Ian Black (Laurie) and Greg Black; her stepsons, Kevin Tennis (Christina) and Cameron Tennis (Marietta); her grandchildren, Zachary Black, Misty Dawn Hassan (Tommy), and Kody Tennis; and her great-grandchildren, Rio, Oaklee, and Storm.
Retirement was a time of fulfillment for Bernice, who delighted in tending to her beautiful vegetable gardens and flower beds. Her green thumb and passion for the outdoors were evident in her immaculate yard, a labour of love she took pride in.
Bernice was deeply involved in her community, delivering Meals on Wheels, working with the Handi-Van committee, and helping organize auctions to raise funds for new transport vans. She was also a helping hand to seniors in need, offering her time to weed gardens and clean homes. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she never hesitated to lend a hand where needed. Bernice also devoted time to the MCC store, where she found joy in volunteering.
A talented seamstress, Bernice spent countless hours at her sewing machine, perfecting her craft. She had a remarkable gift for quilt-making, cutting and stitching together intricate pieces of fabric that became treasured works of art. These handmade creations adorned her home, and many lucky friends and family members were recipients of her beautifully crafted quilts.
Bernice will be remembered for her kind heart, quiet strength, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.
A private ceremony and interment will be held at a later date.