January 13, 1926 – January 5, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that family and friends announce the passing of Bernice Meryl Cranton (Gibson) on January 5th, 2026 at Southbridge Pinewood in Thunder Bay. She was just shy of her 100th birthday and had recently lost her husband Cecil Cranton, only 99 days before. Last September, they joyfully celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary. “Bern”, was born on January 13th,1926 in Hamilton, Ontario to Roy and Clarissa Isabel Gibson (Montrose), being the younger sister to Audrey (Beal). After finishing high school at Delta Collegiate, she pursued Nursing studies at the Toronto General Hospital. She began her career working for the VON – Victoria Order of Nurses and later joined public health with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. She met Dad/Cecil from Nova Scotia during a blind date arranged by his Engineering friends from his Westinghouse dormitory. They started their life together in Weston where daughter Lynda was born, followed by eldest son Steve in Windsor. Eventually they moved to Fort William where four more children were welcomed: Alan, Peter, David and Donna. Their home was on Catherine Street. Bernice was an active community member throughout her life. For many decades she contributed to the Christmas Cheer Fund, served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Lakehead Music Festival for 30 years, volunteered with Rotary Inner Wheel through Cecil’s Rotary Club , raised funds for the Faye Peterson Transition Home, participated in UCW – United Church Women’s league along with various leadership roles at First Wesley United Church. Additionally, she engaged with IODE – International Order of Daughters of the Empire and supported local Cubs and Scouts as a volunteer. Her commitment earned her The Volunteer of the Year Award for her contributions towards improving city life-all while raising six kids! Out of curiosity she took Chinese cooking classes with Ling Lee, bowled five-pin at Galaxy Lanes for over fifty years until she turned 92 and stopped driving; she also smocked outfits for her grandchildren, painted ceramics and decorated cakes among other hobbies. An accomplished bridge player as well! Her love for music influenced all six of her children who each can play at least one instrument or sing comfortably on stage. Mom adored animals too; both cats and dogs brought joy to her life but none more than Mac-a Sheltie who kept her company for over seventeen years. Weekends were often spent at Beaver Bay in Shebandowan where family gatherings were common among friends and neighbors alike-there’s even a video showing her riding a neighbor’s jet ski at age eighty-five and handling a quad solo past ninety! A true adventurer indeed! This spirit of travel lived on in all her children; she shared many journeys with her sister Audrey visiting over twenty-five countries across Europe and Asia together-our kitchen map filled up quickly with colorful pins marking their travels! In later years she resided at Chartwell Isabella Place forming friendships with both staff members and fellow residents before joining Cecil again at Pinewood where they received wonderful care from a loving staff during their last two years together. She always supported Cecil along with each child’s endeavors wholeheartedly. Predeceased by husband Cecil this past September; Bernice leaves behind six children: Lynda (Harry), Steve (Tina), Alan (Ingrid), Peter (Michael), David (Cathy) & Dee (Lorne); grandchildren Eva (Craig), Fiona (Mark), Monica (Allyson), Richard (Amanda), Geoffrey (Megan), Victoria, Christopher (Tanja), Mikaila (Marek), Dominique (Jake) & Angeline; great-grandchildren Patrick, Zoe, Lana, Maeve, Reid, Caselyn, Scarlet & Violet. A celebration service will take place for Bernice Cranton this Saturday January17th ,2026at10am(NOT11am)at First Wesley United Church located at130Brodie Street. Reverend Lionel Kentola will lead officiating duties. Social gathering follows downstairs afterward-everyone is welcome! The service will also be streamed live via You Tube Channel “First Wesley Thunder Bay” so you can click on LIVE to join us online if desired. Online condolences may be expressed through www. nwfainc. com
