Bernice Buttigieg

Bernice Mabel Buttigieg



Bernice passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Thursday, January 4, 2024, after a fierce battle with heart failure. She was lovingly cared for during her hospitalization by her daughter and extended family.

Bernice was a caring mother to Mary Anne (Jeffrey) and Rosemarie (predeceased). She will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, James, Raymond, and Louise, and great-grandchildren, William and Emma. Bernice will be fondly remembered by her son-in-law, Neil Murchison, her brother-in-law, Charlie Eakins, her sister-in-law, Marie Fenech, and their extended families.

Bernice was a dedicated and caring wife of John who predeceased her. They were married in October 1958 and were happily married for 53 years. She is survived by her loving brothers Gerald, Alfred (Joan), and John Buffett. She was predeceased by her close and dear sister Sheila (Charlie), sister-in-law Anne (Gerald), and her brother Russell.



Bernice was born in North Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on April 27, 1937, one of 6 kids of Marie (nee Sheppard) and Gabriel Buffett. It was a humble but comfortable upbringing. She helped her mother with the corner store and she spent many summers with her grandparents in Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, in their house on the beach across from the wharf. Before 20, she left Cape Breton to go to Toronto to find work. In Toronto, she met the love of her life, a handsome and kind man, John, at a CBM party. They began their family life, and soon after, she traded her full-time job to one of taking care of her growing family, first with Rosemarie and then Mary Anne. While she visited her parents and extended family in Nova Scotia every year, she was particularly close to her sister Sheila who also came to Toronto. She also embraced her new parents-in-law, with deep love and respect, learning how to cook Maltese dishes and say Maltese words. Throughout her life, she cared for and helped many people along the way. She tutored her daughter when she was having difficulty in Grade 1 at school, and later in life, she also saved a friend’s life when she called the police after a friend stopped answering the telephone.

Bernice was very proud of her heritage and family history, as well as her husband's. She enjoyed finding old photographs and documenting family information. She also had a keen interest in healthcare and could often be found reading for hours about how the body works and treatments. She consistently displayed strength and determination as she took care of her house to the very end and fought bravely through her illness. Her loving and strong spirit will be forever with us in our memories.

If desired, donations to the Heart and Stoke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
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