We announce the passing of Bernadette Ann Forer nee Hiebert on July 20, 2015 after a year long struggle with a rare form of cancer. She was born in Humboldt, SK on October 29, 1940.
Left in their sadness are her husband of 51 years, Richard, her children Annette Forer (Frank Brueseker) Airdrie, AB, Douglas (Dr. Susan Gilmour) Edmonton and children Kate, Henry and Jennifer, Colleen Forer (Charles McColgan) Ottawa and children Liam and Maeve. In addition, her siblings, all of Humboldt, SK- Tony (Ruth) Hiebert, Ray (Marie) Hiebert, Harold Hiebert, Margaret (Gordon) Lux and Loretta (Randy) Dobmeier of Saskatoon. Richard’s siblings Mary (Denis) Dubord, Burlington, ON, Remo (Louise) Forer, Avonlea, SK, Don Forer, Moose Jaw, Ada (John) Hammel, Medicine Hat and Rita ( Conrad) Rodney, Yorkton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In Salmon Arm she leaves her friends at the Church’s Thrift Shop, Crafters and Sewers at St. Joseph’s, the Shuswap Quilters’ Guild, the Probus Club and all involved with the Grandmothers to Grandmothers group.
Bernadette took her high school education at Humboldt, where she was significantly involved with the 4-H program. Post-secondary education was taken at the Saskatchewan Teacher’s College and the University of Sask. She taught school for a number of years before the arrival of her first child and then chose to stay at home to raise her children. She substitute taught for many years until her retirement. During this period she was a Girl Guide leader for 10 years and a figure skating judge. She had a lifelong love of gardening, oil painting, home management skills, sewing and all types of needlework. Over many years, she also did extensive work in the genealogy of the Hiebert and Forer families and published a book on each of these families. In her concern for social justice she was instrumental as one of the founding members of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers group in Salmon Arm.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated and compassionate care and attention of Dr. Laura Hepburn, the Community Health nurses and workers, the palliative care staff at Bastion and the volunteers of the Hospice Foundation. Equal gratitude is expressed for the extensive support, prayers, flowers and cards sent by numerous friends and relatives.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 20 at 11:00 am at the Elks Hall, 3690 30th St. NE, Salmon Arm.
In lieu of flowers, it would be appreciated if any donations be made to the Salmon Arm Grandmothers to Grandmothers, # 301 160 Harbourfront Dr. NE, Salmon Arm, VIE 3M3 or to the Grandmothers program at the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Suite 501, 260 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2E4.
Arrangements entrusted to Fischer’s Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129. Email condolences and share memories through Bernadette’s obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.