Obituaries

April 30, 1953 - July 18, 2026

Bernadine (Bernie), age 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Bernie will be remembered for the love she shared with her family and friends, her boisterous personality, her refreshingly honest way of speaking her mind, and the many ways she touched the lives of others.

Bernie was born on April 30, 1953, in Regina, Saskatchewan, to Donald and Frieda Wood. She grew up on a small farm between Gravelbourg and Kincaid. They remained there until drought brought them to Grande Prairie in 1961. The family settled in the Avondale area, where Bernadine began a lifelong journey of friendship and connection. She attended school at Hillside, Avondale, Montrose and later graduated from Composite High School in 1971. That same year she married her high school sweetheart LeRoy and they welcomed their first child, Tamatha, that December, followed by Candace in July of 1977.

Bernadine and Leroy remained friends until his passing. In 1983, she met the love of her life, Douglas. They moved to Doug’s family acreage in Grovedale, where they created many wonderful memories until 1993, when they moved into the “salmon” house in the Highland Park neighbourhood of Grande Prairie. She resided there until her passing.

Many people knew Bernie from her earlier days working at the York, Golden Star, and the Ranchhouse, where she could often be found slinging drinks and making sure no one got too rowdy. She later returned to school and earned her Office Administration diploma from GPRC. After graduating, she accepted a position as Administrative Assistant for the Business Development department, where she worked for 12 years before moving to the City of Grande Prairie as Executive Assistant to the Mayor. She remained in that role until her retirement in 2018.

Bernie was involved in many aspects of her community. In 1979, she joined the Stompede Board, beginning as the Chuckwagon Queen, known as Stompede Sue, before moving into the role of Secretary and later becoming Director of Volunteers. In 2022, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of more than four decades of service. She had also recently joined the Grande Prairie Regional Airshow board as Secretary.

Bernie was extremely proud of all her lifelong contributions, but nothing compared to the pride she had in her children and grandchildren. They were the light of her life, and she made sure everyone knew it.

She loved her flowers and plants, and she had a green thumb passed down from her mother. Bernie could grow anything, and the beauty she nurtured will remain a fitting reflection of the care and warmth she shared with those around her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Douglas Agostini; daughters, Tamatha Benson-Olson (Chris Burgis) and Candace Tattrie (Bruce); her grandchildren, Stefan Benson (Jess), Shane Olson, Ava Tattrie, and adopted grandson Bryce Pillsworth; her step-grandchildren, Anthony and Alyssa; and her step-great-grandson, Daris. They, along with her dear family and friends, will cherish her memory and carry her legacy forward.

Bernie was predeceased by her father, Donald Wood; her mother, Frieda Wood; her brother, Russell Wood; her father-in-law, Ian; her mother-in-law, Patricia Gunter; her step nephew James Terrell and the father of her children, LeRoy Benson.

Bernie was truly one of a kind. She had such a presence about her; she was fierce, yet she loved so deeply. The world will never be the same, but we take solace in knowing she lived her final day in true Bernie fashion: enjoying a beautiful day in her backyard oasis with Papa before closing her eyes and going to heaven in peace.

A celebration of Bernadine’s life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Tara Centre. Please join us to honour a remarkable woman, enjoy her favourite drinks - caesars and tequila shots - and bring your favourite story to share at the open mic.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home bcfh.ca 780 830-7742