Obituary of Bernice Eileen Flett

It is with great sadness we announce that Bernice passed away peacefully in London, Ontario on July 16, 2018. Born in St. Catharine’s , Ontario, in 1929, she was the second daughter of Pearl and Frank Wood.

Bernice was musical from day one, and in addition to her lovely voice and perfect pitch, she could play any instrument she tried. She was a talented piano player and could transpose music in her head. She went to normal school in London, Ontario, began teaching in Sarnia and then transferred back to London. In 1958, she went overseas to teach grade 7 and Music on the Air Force Base at Grostenquin, France. This was the beginning of her love of travel, as she explored Europe in her ruby red Sunbeam Alpine and toured art galleries. She also met and married Arthur Flett in France. Over the years Bernice also travelled to Greece, Japan, Denmark, Norway , Sweden and all over North America.

When she returned to Canada, she taught English and Music at the elementary and secondary levels in Windsor, Ontario, until she retired. She was also a member of the Rackham Choir --Detroit's oldest choir--for eight years as a lyric soprano. She moved to London after retiring and volunteered for a number of organizations. She served as a docent at Museum London for many years and was delighted to share her knowledge with visitors of all ages. Bernice was very interested in genealogy and researched her family's United Empire Loyalist background. She became involved in the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada, and was Dominion President (1996 – 1998) and Chair of the Education Committee. As a dedicated member of UELAC, Bernice worked tirelessly in support of Loyalist studies and Loyalist education. Through her leadership as Education Committee Chair, activities were created for UEL Day in Ontario and resources for schools in Ontario, the Maritimes and across Canada.

Predeceased by her loving sisters Louise Graves (Lorne) and Joyce Polgrain (Bert), and nephew Eric Sommerman; she is survived by her sister Fran Sommerman (Jim), her nephews Ted Slomer (Sue) & Mark Sommerman (Marta), and her niece Jan Graves-Passmore (Mark). She was a wonderful Aunt to all her grand nephews and grand nieces as well.

Many thanks to the staff at People Care, London, who took such good care of Bernice in her later years. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetary followed by a private family ceremony at a later date.  Condolences may be sent to www.woodlandcemetary.ca. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider supporting the Bernice Wood Flett Loyalist Scholarship  or the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario (www.parkinsonsociety.ca).