“We can’t always choose the music life plays for us,
but we can choose how we dance to it!”
Bernice absolutely loved to dance! It didn’t matter if it was a waltz, two step, polka or even square dancing, she was always eager to get out on the floor and move to the music. Bill too, shared her passion, and the couple danced hand-in-hand through their fifty one years of marriage.
Bernice Annie was born on Friday, April 16, 1943 in Elmwood to parents George and Elsie (Schuknecht) Dirstein. She was the second oldest of six, with her half-sister Marie being older and younger siblings, John, Dorothy, Herb and Kathryn following her. The Dirstein family lived in Elmwood, where Bernice completed her public school education. She then went on to Chesley District High School before entering the work force at 15. Her first job? Working for Art Weppler, as an operator, at Elmwood Telephone System. She followed that up with time at Saugeen Veneer in Hanover before moving over to Union Carbide in Walkerton. It was here that Bernice started many lifelong friendships with some of “the ladies” in her life.
It was around this time that Bernice, or “Skinny” as she was better known in her youth met William John Fortney. It was a Friday night and the two were attending a dance at the Esquire, now known as the Knights of Columbus Hall, outside of Hanover. They were 19. Over the next couple of years, they continued to meet regularly at dances on Friday and Saturday nights before starting to date in 1964. Their courtship continued until the young couple married on July 24, 1965 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hanover.
They took up residence in Chesley, then shortly after Elmwood and soon welcomed Georgina on December 12, 1966, followed by Jo-Anne on August 15, 1969 and finally Suzette on November 29, 1971. In 1968, they purchased a home behind Beckenhauer’s Garage where they remained until 1974 when they purchased the garage in Scone. It was here that Bernice assisted Bill with the business books, picking up parts, in addition to her main role as mother. Many stories were told of the weekly Friday night parties at the garage, beginning in 1974 and continuing through 1990. It was always a social event, which included a little drink and had to include music and dancing. Many a nights, her and Bill two stepped to her favourite, Crystal Chandelier by Charlie Pride. Bill was quick to point out that when at a dance, he and Bernice started dancing when they arrived and did not stop until they were leaving for home.
In addition to dancing, Bernice enjoyed gardening and spending time in her flowerbeds. Her favourites were her petunias, roses, geraniums and ferns. She loved snowmobiling with Bill, picking up a good Harlequin romance, with a cup of tea in hand as well as watching her many Gold Finch and Hummingbirds feed at her outdoor bird feeders. You might also remember the red cardinals that were always present in the Fortney Christmas tree. She enjoyed a good soap opera on TV and even got Bill hooked on them for a time period. Her music of choice? …. well old country of course! Finally, don’t forget her furry four legged friends over the years that included Skippy, Brutus and her personal favourite Max!
Whenever visiting Bernice she was always smiling and happy! She enjoyed traveling, which included many camping trips with Bill and the kids. Rock Hill Park, by Primrose, was a popular destination, as was Whispering Pines and a memorable eight day camping trip with her family to PEI in 1979. When not attending a dance on a Friday or Saturday evening, her and Bill would often frequent the stock car races. You could find them at Sauble on Saturday and Varney on Sundays!
Her most prized possession was of course her wonderful family. Bernice cared for her children, grandchildren and siblings dearly. They were her world! She was always quick to offer help and support should anyone around her need it. It was also within this group that she became famous for her cooking. Just ask her grandchildren about their favourites. At the top of their list you would probably find Bernice’s famous dish, spaghetti with tomato soup and wieners! The family guarantees that it tastes much better than it sounds!
In 1990, she and Bill returned to Elmwood where they built a shop behind their home and resumed business. It was then that she also took up driving school bus for Beckenhauer’s and then Kunkel’s. She very much enjoyed this job and the opportunity to see and interact with the children. In 2000, at the young age of 57, the Fortney family discovered that Bernice was suffering from the early stages of dementia. This diagnosis was very hard for the entire family, but especially for Bernice. Together, they treasured this time, which included a girl’s trip to Florida in 2006, with stops at Coco Beach, Sea World and Disney. She later enjoyed her weekly visits to the Day Away program and was finally forced to move to The Village in 2007, for more care. Even though her mind and body were failing her, Bernice always greeted you with a smile. A beautiful gift we can continue to pass on to others.
Bernice Annie Fortney of Elmwood, passed away surrounded by her loving family at The Village Seniors’ Community, Hanover on Monday, March 27, 2017 in her 74th year.
Beloved wife of Bill. Loving mother of Georgina (Don) Barlow of R.R. #3 Hanover, Jo-Anne (Glen) Cook of Williamsford and Suzette Fortney of Waterloo. Cherished grandmother of Brandon and Jessica Barlow and Bradley and Brianna Cook. Bernice will be sadly missed by her brothers John (Brenda) Dirstein, Herb (Bernice) Dirstein, all of Chesley and sister Dorothy Jarrett of Collingwood. She was predeceased by her sister Katherine Dirstein, half sister Marie (Bruce) Davis, niece Janice Davis and her parents George and Elsie (Schuknecht) Dirstein.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Friday from 7 – 9 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Bernice’s life will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Elmwood on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Inurnment in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Elmwood.
Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society, a disease that affected Bernice greatly, or Home & Community Support Services of Grey Bruce, Adult Day Programs would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
