Bernice Pew March 5, 2026

Pew, Viola Bernice (nee Hyatt) – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Bernice, who passed away peacefully at Lee Manor on Thursday March 5, 2026 at the age of 97 years.
Loving wife of 78 years to the late Peter Pew (2024).
Predeceased by daughter Marjorie, sons Murray and Gord, and daughter-in-law Margot.
Survived by son Jim (late Margot) of Allenford and daughter Karen Sturt-Smith (Glen) of Allenford; and daughters-in-law Janet Diagle (late Murray) and Monika Pew (late Gord).
Grandmother to Carrie Anne (Karl), Reg (Sarah), Janice (Mark), Greg (Jessica), Matthew, and Sandi (Roger).
Great-grandmother to Jake, Ally, James, Spencer, Violet, Owen, and Molly. Great-great-grandmother to Allie and Aspen.
Also survived by a sister, Joyce Porter (friend David); sister-in-law and Betty Pew (Ken), and brother-in-law Ross Pew (Joanne).
She also left behind many nephews and nieces that were just as close. Bernice will be lovingly remembered by the Welsh ‘clan’, Pew ‘crews’, and the Patterson ‘peeps’ also the White and Porter families.
Bernice was an avid card player. Many a night the house was occupied with friends and family for a night of cards. She taught her grandkids how to play rummy, president, crib, pepper, euchre and bridge. Her favourite game was bridge, even playing solo on her computer til her eyes wouldn’t allow it anymore.
In recent years, she participated in a documentary about the Farmerettes program in Ontario called “We Lend a Hand”, directed and produced by Colin Field. This was based upon the book entitled “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz” by Bonnie Sitter and Shirley Ann English. She started out by picking strawberries on a farm in Waterford.
While there she enjoyed the social activities meeting other people her age and going to town for a night out with the girls. It was one such occasion, in Waterford, she met her future husband. The three girls were walking back from dinner, to where they boarded, when they were offered a ride. Sitting in the back seat with a young gentleman by the name of Peter, Bernice got up the nerve and asked him to the upcoming dance. He said he would go, and she took his watch hostage to make sure he showed up. The rest is history. They were married for 78 years resided in Round Plains first and various places throughout southern Ontario but eventually made it back home to where Bernice grew up in Oliphant.
They built their home and business, Pew Monuments, there. She was a teacher, homemaker, census taker, community volunteer and businesswoman. She was involved in many community activities, including the Sauble Sandpipers, and being the president of the Young at Heart Club and president of the Oliphant Women’s Institute. She was also an Arthritis Self-Management Program leader along side her granddaughter Carrie Anne.
Bernice was known for the many trips she organized. Some of her favourite trips were Gananoque, Windsor/Leamington, Tobermory and New York City.
One of her favourite places she taught was at the Cape Croker Public School. She had many an exciting drive up there in the winter to teach her favourite students.
Bernice and Peter liked to drive. They drove to the East Coast and numerous times to the West Coast of Canada in their little car. Even delivering a Renault to daughter, Karen, in Fort McMurray in northern Alberta. They also enjoyed taking out their rv and going camping with their grandchildren. They ventured as far as California, Arizona and Texas stopping at many states along the way.
Bernice was on the Board of the Retired Teachers Federation, and a longstanding member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Wiarton).
Bernice and Peter continued to dance together throughout the years whether it was square dancing, round dancing, or Saturday afternoon at the Hepworth or Wiarton Legions. They danced and danced during their entire lives together. Now they are dancing together in heaven.
Bernice loved the staff at Lee Manor. Her family appreciate the wonderful care she received there.

Private family arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com