November 13, 1928 - February 23, 2020
The family of Bernice Lemley regret to announce her passing, on February 23, 2020, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Bernice was born to Ernest and Edna Sande on November 13, 1928 in Prince George, BC. She lived much of her life in Terrace, BC, where she graduated from school, worked in the family lumber business, married Charlie Houlden, and raised 8 children.
Following closure of the Sande Lumber Mill in the 1960s, Bernice began a lengthy career in public service in Smithers and Houston, BC, until eventually retiring as a government agent in the 1980s.
Bernice and her second husband, Grant Lemley, then moved from Perow to the Kispiox Valley, where they enjoyed an active retirement raising and riding horses, gardening, and indulging their grandchildren. A lifelong knitter, Bernice was also a founding member of the Kispiox Kwilters and 3 Valley Quilters.
Following Grant's passing in Ashcroft, BC, Bernice returned to the Hazeltons in 2015. She took up residence at Roche View Lodge, where she again indulged her passion for gardening and enjoyed the companionship of fellow residents, Elder College, the Seniors' lunch group, and many friends and acquaintances.
Bernice enjoyed an active life, recently taking jet boat trips to locations on the upper Fraser and Skeena Rivers remembered from her youth. She loved to drive, taking trips across northern BC into her 90's, often to the consternation of her children.
Bernice was pre-deceased by her parents, Ernest and Edna Sande, her sisters Beth and Pearl, her daughter Kristi, and two husbands, Charlie Houlden and Grant Lemley.
She is survived by her brother, Raymond Sande, seven of her children, twelve grandchildren, twelve great-granchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
The family would like to thank the staff of Wrinch Hospital and Dr. Said, in particular, for the kind and considerate care provided to Bernice in her final weeks.
At Bernice's wish, no service is planned. Instead, her ashes will be distributed with those of her beloved Grant in their favorite places near Houston, BC, and in the Kispiox Valley.
Friends who wish to mark Bernice's passing are urged to make a contribution to her favorite charity, BC Children's Hospital.