Obituary of Bernice Aileen McLean

Bernice passed away in Toronto at Isabel and Arthur Meighen Manor on Monday, May 12, 2017 at the age of 94. She was born in Winnipeg, the daughter of Garfield and Fodie (McKinnon) Clements, and is survived by her three sons: Bruce (Pam), Duncan (Arlene), and Colin (Christine), as well as by her seven grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Donald in 2006, and by her brother John B. (Jack) Clements in February 2017.
She and her brother grew up in Pasadena, California under the guardianship of their grandmother McKinnon, following the early loss of both parents. They eventually returned to Winnipeg, where Bernice worked for Great West Life. She met and married Donald McLean in 1952 and began to raise a family of three boys in Burlington, Ontario. In 1960 the family moved to Tustin, California, where Don was employed at North American Rockwell, and was involved in NASA’s Apollo Space Program. In 1968 the family returned to Baie d'Urfe, Quebec, living there until moving to Toronto in 1976.
Don and Bernice moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1984. They settled into the Sunnyside senior community there, where they made many friends through their involvements in church and community. Some years after Don's passing, Bernice decided to return to Toronto, where she lived for two and a half years at the Hazelton Place senior's residence.
Bernice saw the world through the eyes of an artist. Her own art was an important form of expression for her. She was a loving wife and mother. Her quiet humour, her zest for life, and her appreciation for others, touched the lives of those who knew her. We will miss her, and are left with cherished memories.
There will be a commemorative gathering at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16th. Friends are welcome to attend. Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.