Obituary of Bernice Mary Buehler

It is with profound sadness that the family of Bernice (Bronya) Buehler announce her passing at the age of 94 years old.    

She was predeceased by husband, Ernest Buehler; grandson, Jeremy LaFontaine; parents, Maria and Jacob Kutarna; and grandmother, Maria Findura; brothers and sister-in-law, Joe and Ruby Kutarna,  Henry and Lillian Kutarna, John and Vickie Kutarna, and Jake Kutarna 

Bernice (Bronya) is lovingly remembered and survived by her children: Joe Bladyko (Susan), Emily Varjassy (Joe dec.), Annie Perry(Geoff), George Bladyko, Monica Whitten (Jonathan), Roxanne Clark (Mike); stepchildren: Marianne Lynch (Rick), Alex Buehler (Halina), Loretta Bartholomew (Roger), Arnold Buehler (Monique);  17 grandchildren (8 step grandchildren); 22 great-grandchildren (6 step great-grandchildren); and 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother Emil Kutarna (Eleanore); sisters-in-law Loretta Kutarna, Clara Kriekle and many many nieces and nephews.

Bernice was born in Frydman, Poland in 1928.  She was only a few months old and too young to make the long journey when her mother left Poland for Canada, so she was raised by her extended family of aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Bernice was especially cared for by her maternal grandmother, and she spoke of this treasured relationship for her entire life.

During WWII, her tiny village endured German occupation, and the conditions were harsh. She and most of her family survived, only to go through strict Russian occupation after the war ended. Bernice’s courage and resilience during challenging times was remarkable, and an inspiration to all who knew her.

Bernice was reunited with her Canadian family in 1949. It was an incredible reunion story that was featured in the Regina Leader Post. Loved ones may remember photos of Bernice and her mother and brothers lovingly embracing after 21 years of separation – a testament to the primacy of family and unconditional love in Bernice’s life.

Bernice thrived in Regina. She married and had six children, later remarrying and adding four stepchildren to her family. Several years later, Bernice moved to the community of Islandview and then the town of Strasbourg where she resided for a number of years. Throughout her whole life, Bernice loved to entertain and spent much of her time surrounded by friends and relatives. Bernice had a great sense of humour and time spent with her always meant lots of laughs, hugs and kisses. 

Later in life, Bernice suffered from dementia and spent her last years at Lutheran Care home in Regina. She was well cared for and loved by the staff who called her “Baba”. She was known to greet her caregivers with an endearing, “Hey good-looking!”. The family would like to sincerely thank her caregivers at Lutheran Care home for their compassion, dignity and kindness.

Bernice’s main focuses in life were faith, family and food. The Polish food and baked goods she made are legendary in the family. She loved flowers and gardening, and was able to provide plenty of fresh vegetables and canned preserves and jams to her loved ones. Her delicious chokecherry jam, crabapple jelly and Ogorki (pickles) were enjoyed by everyone. She was loved by all and always had compassion for those in need.  

Bernice’s hobbies of knitting, crocheting and embroidery reflected her generous spirit – countless family members and friends have been blessed with her knitted sweaters, blankets, slippers, hats, and crocheted christening gowns. Until she was no longer able, Bernice gifted all of her daughters and granddaughters embroidered tablecloths that she lovingly created by hand.  Bernice poured her heart into everything she created and did for others. 

In the truest sense of the word, Bernice was a matriarch. Her dozens of direct descendants are connected by the memory of a mother, grandmother, or great-grandmother who cared for her family fiercely and unconditionally. Bernice regularly sent handwritten cards to her loved ones, taking pride in remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and other important events -- and making sure that the entire family was informed! At the end of her life, all six of Bernice's children came together to be with her and express their profound gratitude and love.

The children, grandchildren, and loved ones of Bernice felt her unwavering support for their dreams and ambitions. Bernice always wanted the best for everyone in her life and lit up brightest when she was surrounded by her loving family. She always encouraged her children and grandchildren to enjoy life, travel, and take opportunities for growth, even if those opportunities brought them far away from home.

Bernice cultivated a strong Catholic faith her whole life. This unrelenting faith was a vessel of hope during times of struggle, and a source of gratitude during times of joy. Her family felt the power of her prayers as well – if Mom/Baptcha was praying for you, somehow everything was going to be alright. 

Memorial donations may be sent to The Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. (12:00 p.m. BC, 3:00 p.m. Ontario) on Wednesday June 28, 2023 at St. Anthony’s RC Church, 2275 Atkinson Street, Regina, SK. For those not able to attend, livestream may be viewed at https://youtube.com/live/XbtK94KOaTA. Interment to follow at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, 815 Assiniboine Avenue East, Regina, SK.