Bernice Barnable

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

Bernice Barnable, born October 10th, 1942, in Ferryland Newfoundland, passed away in the evening of June 6th 2026. She will be fondly remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, wife, partner, sister, and a profoundly impactful teacher to decades of students.



Bernice was the oldest child of five, who grew up in the small fishing village of Ferryland Newfoundland. She was a devoted sister and daughter. From a young age, she excelled in her academic abilities which would one day lead her to be one of the most beloved and respected educators in Montreal.



In her early 20's, she moved from Newfoundland to Montreal Quebec and continued her career as a teacher, a career that would span nearly forty years and impacted the hearts and minds of hundreds of her students.



In Montreal, she met and married Paul Piche, and together they had two sons, Jeff and Josh. A strong, loving and thoughtful wife, and a doting, loving and dedicated mother, Bernice raised her children, ingraining in them all her best attributes. Although separating from Paul years later, the two stayed in touch and took care of each other, seeing each other even on the day of her passing.



Bernice then met Rod Verge. The two of them had a romantic and warm-hearted relationship for many years. Although never marrying, Bernice and Rod spent many years living together and spending summers together in Newfoundland. Bernice lovingly doted on Rod's children from other marriages, Alex and Matthew in particular. Sadly, Rod passed away in 2025.



Bernice is survived by two brothers, Wayne and Terry, her two sons, Jeff and Josh, her ex-husband Paul, her grandchildren Kian and Luka, and her daughters-in-laws, Laurie and Kseniia (ex-wife of Josh).



Although her dedication to her family and loved ones can never be diminished, and her family will forever love her, her legacy would be lessened if it were not mentioned her intense, loyal and commitment to her job as a teacher, crafting the minds of so many others beyond her own family. She was truly one of a kind.



Our family would also like to thank the company A+ Solutions, who provided in-home care for Bernice over the last year. In particular, Precious and Blessing.

Bernice considered you both daughters to her. This last year would have been worse for Bernice if not for you. Thank you so much.



I invite you to read Funeral Blues by W.H. Auden in her respect. You'll need to flip the pronouns in order to honor her, but that's a small sacrifice compared to hers.

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