passed peacefully and surrounded by love Sunday December 14, 2025. Bernice was many things: a legendary talker, a devoted nightgown enthusiast, a word-game champion, and—most importantly—a woman who loved people with her whole heart.
If you met Bernice, chances are you didn’t stay a stranger for long. She loved to chat and could turn a simple hello into a full-blown conversation before you knew what happened. Listening, laughing, sharing stories—that was her joy. She had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered, because to her, they truly did. She always put others before herself, and because of that, she became “Mama B” to many—whether you needed advice, comfort, or just someone in your corner, it was a title she wore proudly.
Bernice loved her family, friends, Rachel’s butter tarts, steeped tea with milk and the simple pleasure of connection. Life was not always easy on her. She experienced profound loss, including the passing of her daughter Lori-Ann, yet she met hardship with grit, humour, and a resilience that inspired everyone who knew her. She raised her children with fierce love, determination and built a family rooted in loyalty, laughter, and survival. Bernice was deeply loved and loved others just as deeply in return.
She leaves behind her children Jayla Kirkham-Dayton (Brandon), Christopher Kirkham, Bill Kirkham (Michelle), her late daughter Lori-Ann Kirkham, along with her beloved daughter from another mother, Erin Stewart. She is survived by her brothers Clair Lalone, Lloyd Lalone, Ray Lalone, the late Beverly Kirkham and by her soul sister, Charlene McAuley (Angus) proof that family is not only who you’re born with, but who you choose.
Bernice was a proud grandmother to Jessica O’Rafferty (Shawn), Scott Kirkham, and Kevin Kirkham, and a delighted “GGK” to Kinsley, Maddie, Alec, and Keegan, all of whom brought her endless joy and brag-worthy stories.
Bernice will also be warmly remembered by her many nieces and nephews in Toronto (Amber Lalone), Trenton, Niagara and the Bancroft area—each one holding their own “Aunt Meesee story”
Bernice loved the poem “When Tomorrow Starts Without Me,” but she would be the first to tell you to stop crying! After all, she had a favorite saying—delivered with perfect timing, a smirk, and absolutely no filter—that those who knew her well will hear forever in their heads and laugh- fuck a duck.
“Remember me with smiles and laughter,
For that’s how I’ll remember you all.”
Bernice Annie Kirkham lived loudly, loved deeply, and left this world far better—and far more entertained—than she found it.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 – her birthday, in Bancroft, Ontario- gravesite internment to follow. Come prepared to share stories, laughter, and maybe talk a little longer than planned—Mom would expect nothing less.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Maggie’s Resource Centre of North Hastings would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to M.G. Daly Funeral Home, Maynooth. (613) 338-3259 (Condolence messages may be e-mailed to dalyfuneralhome@bellnet.ca or visit www.mgdalyfuneralhome.com).
