BERNICE NIEMI

BERNICE NIEMI
On Sunday January 25, 2026, at the age of 92, after a short stay in hospital, Bernice went home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

II Corinthians 5:8
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

Bernice was born and raised on a farm in Nolalu, where she laboured in her youth. She would walk many miles on the roads and through bush trails to school and to visit neighbours. She married Bruno Niemi and raised six children. For a time she worked at the Nolalu store. Later on in life, she did some high school through correspondence, and also going to Confederation College where she was certified as a Red Cross Homemaker. She also cared for her elderly mother.

Being creative, Bernice would sew her own clothes, dresses and quilts. She enjoyed knitting socks and giving them to family, friends and those in need. Crocheting afghans, baby blankets and hats was another pastime of hers, along with needlepoint, Swedish weaving and cross stitch.

Taking art and painting classes at the college and the 55 Plus Center, she produced many painting and drawings. As an artist, she painted with oil, acrylic, water colour, did pen and ink drawings, also sketching with pencil and coloured pencils.

Bernice was a member of the Thunder Bay Writers Guild and the Poetry Guild, writing a number of poems. Listening to music and reading books was also a love of hers. She even tried her hand at writing a gospel song, "The Master's Hand", sung by Lexi Summers and music by Chris Pythila.

Bruno and Bernice would move to Thunder Bay in the mid 1980's, which is when, over 40 years ago, Bernice started attending Intola Baptist Church, always seeking the preaching of God's Holy Word, the King James Bible. She read the bible much and would write many notes on bible verses and preaching messages. She had this portion of a bible verse in her living room -

Acts 16:31
"...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,..."
Having a desire for family and friends to know the Lord Jesus as their saviour and would pray for others to believe.

She was predeceased by her parents Waino and Ilmi Kuster, husband Bruno Niemi, brother Elmer Kuster, sister Irene Blomfeldt; brothers-in-law, Eugene (Charlie) Niemi, Roy Niemi, Gordon Blomfeldt, Chris Sullivan, Walter Simmonen, Arvo Erickson; sisters-in-law Linnea Niemi, Rachel Sullivan, Miriam Simmonen; son-in-law Edwin Kivela; grandsons David Tough, Nathan Niemi; nephews Gary Niemi, Gary Blomfeldt, Howard Erickson, Rudy Simmonen; and niece Doreen Winters.

Bernice is survived by six childen, Elaine Kivela, Colleen Tough (Don), Brian Niemi (Dawn), Janet Koski (Don), Gayle Johnson (Patrick), and Terry Niemi (Lisa).
She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and was looking forward to her first great-great-grandchild, who is on the way, sister Viola Gonyou (Gordie), sisters-in-law Beverley Niemi, Anja Kuster, also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

We will miss Bernice. We love you Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma.
Thanks to all the doctors, nurses and student nurses who cared for Bernice. Thanks to all who gave condolences.

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The body will not stay in the grave; it will be raised up in life one day.

I Thessalonians 4:16
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"

Services to celebrate the life of Bernice Niemi will take place at 11:00am, Thursday February 19, 2026 in the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma, officiated by Pastor Len Nolan. Visitation is 1 hour prior to service time.

Arrangements are in care of Everest Funeral Home.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com