Obituary of Bernice Hazel McGale

With great sadness we announce the passing of Bernice Hazel (née Leach) McGale on Wednesday, March 7th, 2024. In peace with her family present she left this life for the next. 

A beautiful and gifted woman she raised five children with her husband of 71 years, Barney Micheal McGale. They criss crossed the country – living in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick and for a time Europe during his career in the Canadian Air Forces. Bernice brought joy and beauty to every home the family occupied during their many sojourns.

While living on the continent Bernice and Barney ensured that their children enjoyed the experiences found in many cities large and small in a variety of countries. Bernice was always instrumental in including galleries and museums in their journeys as the enjoyment of art was close to her heart. In the early years of their retirement in Jasper, they were members of the National Art Gallery of Canada and made trips to the gallery to experience the many special exhibits held there.

An avid seamstress, gardener, crafts person and reader she enjoyed her life immensely. Once her family had grown and moved on she volunteered with many organizations including the Hampton NB Library, Children’s Lunch Club, St Paul’s Presbyterian Church as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent and for many years an active member of the Presbyterian Women’s Mission Society. As well, she spent many, many hours knitting and sending baby blankets for premature babies around the globe through the Presbyterian church.

Bernice is predeceased by her parents Raymond Vernard and Florence Greta (née Kilduff) Leach,  brother Lawrence “Larry” Vernard Leach, sister-in-law Christine Ramsay (née Boyd) Leach and son Brian Micheal McGale (1957- 2019). She is survived by her husband Barney, daughters Elizabeth Greta Adams (Norman); Kathleen Bridget McGale (Catherine), Rebecka Jane McKim (John), and son John Bernard McGale (Marilyn); grandchildren Erin Dawson, Bradley McGale, Alicia Roberts, Stan McKim, Warren McKim, Brandon McGale and Spencer McGale plus several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bernice leaves behind a legacy of love and caring and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

“Good night Barney Micheal”  these are always her last words of the day. Good night to you Bernice.

The family would like to acknowledge the very special care extended to Bernice from our family friends Tammy MacGregor, Hugh and Robin Gillespie;  Dr. Penelope MacGregor, her staff Debbie and Shiela, the ladies from Quality Care Solutions in particular Sharon Wright plus the RNs and PSWs from Home and Community Care Support Services. The dedicated care you all provided  made all the difference. Thank you so very much. 

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, Smiths Falls (112 Beckwith St N) on Monday, March 11th 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at The Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario. In lieu of flowers your donation to the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Society are welcome. The Women’s Missionary Society is a community of Christians whose purpose, in response to the love of God in Jesus Christ, is to encourage one another and all the people of the church to be involved in local and world mission through prayer, study, service and fellowship. Or to a children’s charity of your choice.