Bernice AVRUSKIN

1938 - 2020

BERNICE AvRUSKIN (Krafchik) May 9, 1938 - December 16, 2020 If you met Dr. Bernice AvRuskin/Krafchik, you would remember her. Her five-foot-zero stature was an inverse reflection of the size of her personality. Bernice was a true character, and she lived an exceptional life. She was known as The Queen of Pediatric Dermatology. In a remarkable 50-year career, she was a world-renowned doctor to thousands, a teacher, a lecturer, a writer, and a mentor. Dr. K took on the most challenging cases with careful advice, care, cure, and kindness in equal measure. She would not rest until a diagnosis was reached. She remained humble, devoted to her patients, and deeply principled. Every patient was personally important to her. She knew everything about them, their families, and their favourite restaurants. Many of her colleagues and students became life-long friends, making up an eclectic extended family with whom she loved travelling, dining, and vociferously engaging about whatever topic was up for discussion. She loved being surrounded by people and the family home was always brimming with activity and friends. On any given weekend she held court at the round kitchen table, visiting with friends, young and old, eating, laughing and debating for intellectual pleasure and for connection. Her curiosity was boundless, and her love of travel took her to over 116 countries. Everywhere she travelled, she genuinely engaged with strangers in conversations and made a real connection with people - many became friends for life. There was nothing more important to her than her family. She was married to Stan AvRuskin for 40 years until his death and she was fiercely loyal to and proud of her four children, Hayley (Phil), Adam (Anne), Vanessa (James) and Gillian (Giorgos) and adored her eight grandchildren. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her family. She was smart, funny, generous, and full of love. It is hard to imagine a world without her. Bernice gave to any charity that asked. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause of your choice. Family and friends are invited to share stories at a virtual Shiva on Sunday, December 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. EST. For more information, send a message to bernice.memories@gmail.com. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.