Peacefully at Stratford General Hospital on Friday December 30, 2022 of Exeter at the age of 70. Beloved wife of Rafael Roderiguez – Navea for over 17 years, and the late Miro Zgavc. Cherished mother of Deyan Zgavc and his wife Meaghan of Whitby, and Alenka Watson and her partner Ryan Blenkiron. Proud Nana of Barrett, Anna, Chloe, and Laura. Dear sister of Stella Ventresca (Robert), and their children Amanda and Erika. Predeceased by her parents Frances (Trcek) and Josef Seljak.
Bernie was an accomplished retired senior Constable with the OPP, and a proud member of the first class of 12 women to join the service. Bernie was passionately involved within the youth community services of Grand Bend, Huron County and Lambton County areas. She fiercely loved her family and will be missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, EXETER on Thursday, January 5th from 6 – 8 PM. Registration is required. Please click “Register Now” below, to register. Bernie’s funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 6th at 1PM with visitation from 10:30AM to 12:30 PM. Cremation to follow, with inurnment at Exeter Cemetery.
A recording of Bernie’s funeral service is available at www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Donations to Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society would be appreciated by the 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).
Anita Bedard
Alenka and family..sending condolences to all of you in this difficult time. Treasure the memories…and keep them close.
Milica Trebše Štolfa
Dear Rafaelo and Deyan, Alenka and Zvezdi with the families
I was trying to call dear Bernie for her Birthday and several times later – but there was only a voice from the answering machine. Now I unfortunately know why! You have lost your loving wife, dearest mather and grandmother, dear sister and aunt , and I have lost my very, very dear friend for so many decades. Our times, spent together on both sides if the Ocean were full of joy and are unforgetable. She even planned to come again with Rafaelo to show him the beauties of the country she was born in. Her sincere wish remained unfulfilled, unless one of you is going to realize it. You are most wellcome to come.
My deepest sympathy to Rafaelo and all families.
Moja draga Bernie, počivaj v miru! (My dear Bernie, rest in peace!)
We wil miss you. You will always remain in our hearts.
Milica and Matjaž with his family from Izola in Slovenia
Pam Lansky
Stella, Deyan, Alenka and families,
I am so sorry to read of the passing of your dear sister and mother. Although it has been quite a few years since I have been in touch with Bernie, I think of her often when I see little gifts she had given me in past years. She was a wonderful woman and a good friend to me and many others. She will truly be missed.
Amanda Ventresca
There’s so much I want to say about my aunt. She was many things to many people, but to me, my teta had this hilarious wit, a warmth to her laugh and smile, and this way about her that just made you feel safe and at ease around her. You can never really prepare to lose someone you’ve known your whole life, so I know it will always feel like she’s missing. Yet, she had this way of leaving an imprint on your life that is impossible to forget, and that’s exactly how I’ll remember her forever. <3
Love always,
Amanda
David, Maria, and Ludvik Luis
Our sincerest condolences to you and your families. We are so sorry for your loss. Bernie was a wonderful person that we are lucky to have known.
Our love and thoughts are with you.
louise allen
Sending my condolences. Bernie was often a customer at my volunteer placement. She was a warm and sweet human being. RIP Bernie.
Jan Genoch
I remember her as always being quick to laugh and happy to help.
Being a self-absorbed teenager at the time, it never really registered how remarkable it was for her to raise a family, work a difficult job, help disadvantaged kids, AND always seem to be in a good mood at the same time.
She was an amazing woman, and I’ll miss her.
My condolences to her family and loved ones.
Charlene
My sympathies to Bernie’s family. She was a wonderful soul!
Lynda Myers Card
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Bill Murphy
I am so very sad to learn of Bernie’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and a good friend. I first met her as an auxiliary OPP many years ago. A very loving and giving human being, she always looked out for the well being of those around her. Always one to look on the positive side, she had a fun-loving indomitable spirit.
The world will be poorer place without Bernie in it.
My sincere condolences to Deyan, Alenka, Rafael, Stella and all their loved ones.
Linda M Anweiler
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We got to meet Berni and Rafael at Maria and become friends. We went to their home many times and visit. I loved Berni’s spirit, her laugher, sense of humor, kindness and protectiveness . It is a great loss for all of us. Goodbye sweet Berni until we meet again!! Love Linda, Adonica and Vienna Anweiler the Ssskatoon ladies ❤
Tracey Stanlake
Rafael and family
My sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to each of you. I met Bernie through my work. Bernie will always hold a special place in my heart for the kind and caring woman she was.