BERNICE CRANTON

January 13, 1926 - January 5, 2026
The family and friends of Bernice Meryl Cranton (Gibson) are deeply saddened to announce her peaceful passing on January 5th, 2026 at Southbridge Pinewood, Thunder Bay, just shy of her 100th birthday and 99 days after the passing of her husband Cecil Cranton. Last September they celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary. "Bern", was born January 13th, 1926 in Hamilton, Ontario to Roy and Clarissa Isabel Gibson (Montrose), younger sister to Audrey (Beal). After high school at Delta Collegiate, she studied Nursing at the Toronto General Hospital. She worked for the VON - Victoria Order of Nurses and later public health for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. She married Dad/Cecil from Nova Scotia after a blind date set-up by his Engineering pals from his Westinghouse dorm. They began their lives together in Weston where daughter Lynda was born, and eldest son Steve was born in Windsor. They then moved to Fort William, where the youngest four were born, Alan, Peter, David and Donna. They made their home on Catherine Street. Bernice was a very active member of the community. She was actively involved with the Christmas Cheer Fund for many decades, Secretary/Treasurer of the Lakehead Music Festival (30 years), Rotary Inner Wheel through Cecil's Rotary Club , volunteer fund raiser for the Faye Peterson Transition home, the UCW - United Church Women's league, and board of directors, choir, and many leadership positions at First Wesley United Church. She was active in the IODE, International Order of the Daughters of the Empire, 7th Fort William Cubs and Scouts volunteer. She was granted The Volunteer of the Year Award for all her dedication to the betterment of the city. All while raising 6 children! For interest's sake, she took Chinese cooking classes with Ling Lee, 5- pin bowled at Galaxy Lanes for over 50 years on a team till she turned 92 and gave up driving, smocking lessons for grandchildren's outfits, ceramics painting, cake decorating and more. She was an accomplished bridge player. Her passion for music was instilled in her 6 children, such that all can play at least one instrument, can sing and are comfortable singing and performing. Mom had a love of animals. Cats and dogs alike, her favourite, Mac, a Sheltie, kept her company for over 17 years. Weekends and many summers were spent at Beaver Bay, Shebandowan where family, friends and neighbours got together regularly. We have a video of her taking off on a neighbours jet ski at 85 and riding a quad solo at over 90 years (not Mph)! Adventurous to say the least. She passed the travel bug to all her children. Her favourite travel companion was her sister Audrey, and together they visited over 25 countries in Europe and Asia. At one point we had a map in the kitchen with brightly coloured sewing pins where we had all travelled. The map was covered! In her later years she lived at Chartwell Isabella Place where she developed friendships with staff and residents alike. She then joined her husband, Cecil, in Pinewood for the last two years, where they had excellent care and were well-loved by the staff. She was a great supporter of Cecil and her children's adventures and endeavours. She was predeceased by her husband Cecil this past September. She is survived by her 6 children; Lynda (Harry), Steve (Tina), Alan (Ingrid), Peter (Michael), David (Cathy) and Dee (Lorne); grandchildren Eva (Craig), Fiona (Mark), Monica (Allyson), Richard (Amanda), Geoffrey (Megan), Victoria, Christopher (Tanja), Mikaila (Marek), Dominique (Jake) and Angeline; great-grandchildren Patrick, Zoe, Lana, Maeve, Reid, Casey, Scarlet and Violet. A Celebration of Life service will be held for Bernice Cranton at First Wesley United Church, 130 Brodie Street at 10 am (NOT 11am) this Saturday, January 17th, 2026. Reverend Lionel Kentola will officiate. "Social" to follow afterwards with family and friends downstairs. All are welcome and invited. The service will be live streamed on the YouTube Channel "First Wesley Thunder Bay" (click on LIVE).

Online condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com