Bernice passed away peacefully at Jessica’s House on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the age of 88. Beloved wife of the late Jack Porter (2021) for over 61 years. Proud mother of Donald (Diane) of Lucan and Shawn (Nancy) of Toronto. Dear sister of Karen Pamenter (Ross) of Orangeville and David McDonald (Diane) of Teeswater and sister-in-law of Lloyd Townsend of Listowel. Lovingly remembered by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Stewart and Grace McDonald, and sister-in-law Mary Townsend.
Bernice was born in Teeswater in 1937. In 1958, she graduated as a Registered Nurse from the School of Nursing Guelph Central Hospital. She worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London and later Craigwiel Gardens in Ailsa Craig. Together, she and Jack lived in Lucan for 51 years and Bernice enjoyed volunteering in the community. You could find Bernice tending to her beautiful flower beds at home on the farm.
A private family graveside will be held in the Spring at the Wingham Cemetery.
Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
A special thank you to the staff at the Exeter Villa and Jessica’s House for their care and compassion shown to Bernice and her family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Dave and Joanne Walzack
Don and Diane and the Pprter family
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Sylvia Voisin
We send our deepest condolences to all of Bernice’s family
Dorothy Ross (Dickison) and family
Tim Bates
Don and Shawn, so sorry to read this. She was a wonderful woman.
Tammy Preszcator
I was very fortunate to get to know Bernice while I was working in housekeeping at the Villa. I would clean Bernice’s room. She was easy to talk with and a wonderful lady. My condolences to her family.
Bob and Lorette Mawson
Sending our condolences to all at this sad time
Cathy and Bruce Cornish
Don and family
We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Please except our condolences in this very difficult time
Bobbi V (Exeter Villa)
Sending my heartfelt condolences.
Bernice was a very special lady and will always be remembered.
Brenda and Ivan Hern
Don and Diane and family – we send our condolences in the loss of your mom. Bernice was a lovely lady and she will be missed. Cherish your memories …. Hugs
Chris and Dave Moir
Our deepest condolences in your time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John & Janice Toonders
Sorry to hear off the passing of your Mom.
Jocelyne
Mes sincères condoléances Don et Diane
Perdre un être cher pas toujours facile.
Que les bons souvenirs et les bons moments passés avec elle puissent vous réconforter .
Elle est et sera toujours présente avec vous en pensée.
Elle veille sur vous.
Paix est son âme.💫
Sincèrement
Jocelyne
Diane Young and Jessica Davis
Don, Diane, Shawn & Nancy
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, she was a very lovely lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cherish your memories.
Dale & Linda Froats
Don, Diane and family,
Enjoyed any occasion that we shared together whether just visiting at home or on the streets of Lucan. Your Mom was always so very pleasant to visit with and also work along beside at church fundraisers. She was a charming lady that will be missed dearly. We send our sympathy to your families.
Marg Townsend & Family
Bernice was such a lovely lady and always so cheerful and welcoming. She will be dearly missed.
Our deepest sympathies.
Brenda (Townsend) Werth
Don, Shawn & family – Please know we are thinking about you at this sad and difficult time. We will miss our visits and chats with Aunt Bernice, but have lots of good memories to look back on that make us smile…
Lloyd & Eleanore, Brenda & Ross, Debbie & Kim
Tony & Caroline
Don, Shawn & Family
Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing,
You have our condolences
Ken & Elly Cocquyt
Our deepest sympathy. It was a true pleasure having Bernice (& Jack) as neighbours for so many years. Bernice had such a kind and gentle spirit. I always loved hearing her stories. She spoke so highly of her friends and family, and it was always clear how incredibly proud she was of her sons. She will be missed.
Viviane and Andre Landry
Dear Don and Diane,
We are so sorry to heart about the passing of Don’s mother. Our thoughts and hearts go out to you and your family during this incredibly difficulté time.
Wishing you place and comfort.
Rick and Renee Heywood
We offer everyone our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom and a life well lived. Let your many memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Paul and Carolynn Hodgins
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Bernice. I always enjoyed chatting with your mom when she came into my family’s business
Jacki and Jay Stegner
Don and Diane,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Our deepest condolences.
Janice Dobinson
Don, Diane and family
Sorry to hear the news. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Otto & Margaret Bock
Don & Diane, Shawn & Nancy Our deepest sympathy for great loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Otto & Margaret Bock
Sandra Jaques
Don and Diane
So sorry for your loss ❤️
Don Lankin
Sorry to hear of your mothers passing, truly enjoyed your mother and Dad’s friendship.
Dave and Joanne Walzack
Don and Diane
We are so so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Teri Robinson/MacGregor
I am so sorry to hear of Bernice’s passing. I worked with Bernice at Craigwiel Gardens for years. She was always a professional who made sure her lipstick was freshly applied before the day staff started. I loved working with her.
Carol Windsor
Don, Diane, Shawn & Nancy
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Sending my deepest sympathies to the entire family at this difficult time.
Pam & Paul Hodgins
We were saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. Bernice was such a wonderful lady. I had many chats with her at the Post Office or across the street at the old Foodland before she moved to Exeter. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Kelly Pamenter
Sorry for your loss. I loved your Mom. She was always such a happy.
Tamara Thompson
The residents and staff of the Exeter Villa send their heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Kathy Whitworth
Don and Shawn
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom 🙏
Sue Heffernan
Don & Diane, Shawn & Nancy, I so sorry to here of Bernice’s passing. I got to know Bernice by doing her hair we had many great chats, I missed her after she moved to Exeter. RIP Bernice
Brenda and Fred Smith
Don and family
So sorry for your loss
Back in the arms of her love
Always remember the good times
Hugs
Steve & Kay Revington
Don, Diane & Families,
It was sad to hear the passing of Bernice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Helen Hearn
Our sincere sympathy to all Bernice’s loved ones. We enjoyed visiting with Bernice when our paths crossed in Lucan. She used to keep track of my coming and going from Lucan Public School as she knew my car. Bernice would know if I was ever missed a day of school.
David and Carmen Jones ❤️
Dear Don and Diane, we send our condolences on the loss of your dear mom. We know she had a lot of great years in Exeter following her long life in Lucan. Its the end of a great chapter of the lives of your mom and dad. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Lori Stevenson (Noyes)
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I remember your Mother as someone who always wore a smile and was quick to laugh.
Doug & Joanne Latta
Smile when you think of your mom and hold close all your beautiful memories with her.
Sending heartfelt condolences to everyone 🫶
Barry and Lori
Don and Diane and Family.
So sorry to hear about your Mom.
Thinking of you.
Ruthena Drury
I was a nursing classmate of Bernice’s. Such a great gal. We visited in Tim Hortons a couple of years ago and I used to see her at the nurses banquet in Guelph each year. Thinking of her family at this sad time
Tom Hearn
I remember running into Bernice on occasion at the grocery store in the past and I enjoyed our conversations. You have my condolences.
Wayne & Pam Hall
So sorry to read that your mom has passed away. She was such a nice person. Bernice always had time to chat when we would run into her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.