Obituary of Bernice Mildred Heiberg
Bernice Mildred Heiberg
(December 8, 1925 - April 20, 2022)
Bernice Mildred Heiberg was born on December 8, 1925 to Edwin and Myrtle Magneson at the farm by Ryley, Alberta. She passed away at the age of 96 on April 20, 2022 at the Sherwood Care Centre, where she spent the last 6 years. Thank you so much for the caring and love given to our Mom.
Charles, her brother, who was 5 years younger, often joked that it was quite a battle to dethrone the queen when he arrived. Bernice attended Ryley School from grades 1-12, and then attended Camrose Lutheran College and fulfilled her dream of singing in the choir at the college. She studied there to receive her Gregg Shorthand and Stenography, as well as completing her ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto in piano and theory.
While at college, there was this guy who was coach of the girls’ ball team who tried to recruit her for the ball team, but to no avail. (Might hurt a finger.) Andreas (Andy) Heiberg instead followed her to various music events and they got married on July 25, 1951. Her mother warned Andy that all Bernice could do was play the piano so maybe he would have to do the cooking.
Her musical heart was most greatly rewarded by teaching students and seeing them light up with joy. She also was a servant in singing and playing for thousands of church services, weddings, funerals, and special occasions.
Knowing Christ as her personal Saviour, was what Bernice built her life upon, and showing the love of Christ to others and to her family. This was indeed her prime objective in life.
In 1979, her life was rocked to the utmost depths when the love of her life passed away suddenly, while vacationing in Hawaii. God was indeed her refuge and strength through this. Now all of a sudden she was the chief CEO of the farm. Today, the family farm exists because our mother pushed forward despite the great struggle before her. She remained on the farm until 2012, when she moved to the Tofield Lodge.
Truly Bernice blessed the lives of her children, Lyle (Rebecca) Heiberg, Grace (Robert) Schacher, Elsa (Arlen) Salte, and Gordon (Jennifer) Heiberg. She also leaves to mourn, ten grandchildren, Severin (Carole) Heiberg, Kierstin (Richard Bruneau) Heiberg, Erika Heiberg, Andrew (Kristyn) Schacher, Alex (Shannon) Schacher, Karla (Jeff) Burdette, Linnea (Andrew) Anstey, Brennan (Melanie) Salte, Jared (Bethany) Salte, Sean Heiberg; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister-in law Marie Dawson; and precious nieces and nephews.
Bernice was predeceased by her husband Andy; daughter Grace Schacher; grandson Benjamin Heiberg; parents Edwin and Myrtle Magneson; and brother Charles Magneson.
Bernice will be remembered for her gift of music to the church and her piano students. We thank God for her strength and guidance in our lives. Thanks Mom! Rest in God’s eternal peace.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Monday, May 2, 2022 at the Bardo Lutheran Church in Tofield. A recording of the service can be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh1DNxwmOmk.
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Bernice's memory may be made to the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute or the Hastings Lake Bible Camp.
