February 8, 1956 – January 13, 2023
After a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, mom said it was time to rest at the age of 66. Mom passed away peacefully with her husband and two children by her side at the Selkirk Hospital.
She was an amazing and loving wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Melvin Rattai, daughter Jody (Chris) Thiessen, son Cory (Lori) Rattai and grandchildren Kathryn Thiessen, Madeline, Isabella and Theodore Rattai. She also leaves behind her mother-in-law Marlene Rattai, her siblings Gerry (Val) Artimowich, Stella Pruse, Larry (Donna) Artimowich, Ron Artimowich, and Brenda (Ward) Omichinski and many nieces, nephews and friends. She is predeceased by her mom Pauline Artimowich and Michael Artimowich, father-in-law Harold Rattai, sister-in-law Carol Artimowich, infant brother Kenneth Artimowich and infant grandson Carter Thiessen
Bernice was born in Nanaimo, BC on February 8, 1956. Her family moved east and settled in Tyndall, Manitoba. Bernice was this oldest of all her siblings. Growing up she helped look after the family when their mother went back to work.
At the age of 16 in 1972, she met her future husband on a blind date, and they enjoyed their many hobbies of drag racing in Gimli with her Mustang Cobra, going to the movies and travelling. Mom worked at the Winnipeg airport in the late 70’s & early 80’s.
In 1984 she moved to Beausejour with her husband and built their first home. She was a proud mom of 2 kids and devoted her time to her family. She would cheer them on in hockey, skating, curling and anything else they tried. She volunteered many hours in the community. She was not only a stay-at-home mom, but was the bookkeeper for her husband’s farming and construction businesses.
Mom loved traveling; a few of her memorable places were Las Vegas, Talladega, Branson and Niagara Falls. Mom loved being a snowbird and travelling down to Florida during the winter months. When she bought the condo in Florida, she gained a new group of friends. She would socialize with all her friends down there and go to the Daytona 500 with dad every February and take a trip down to Key West every few years to enjoy her margarita on the rocks. When she was home, she would enjoy making big dinners for the holidays. She was known for her butter tarts , and sweet and sour meatballs. Every Christmas she would buy too many gifts for all her kids and grand kids. Being a loving farm wife, she would bring suppers out to the fields and help move equipment.
When mom was diagnosed with Cancer, she kept a positive outlook and attitude and enjoyed life even more. The family would like to thank the Selkirk Hospital for all their help in looking after mom during her treatments and her palliative care.
Viewing will be held at Sobering Funeral Chapel, on Tuesday, January 17 from 7 to 9 PM, and on Wednesday, January 18 from 10 to 11 AM. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM., with internment to follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery and a luncheon at the Beausejour hall – Beausejour Room.
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Randy Steinke
So very sorry for your loss Melvin and family.
Lori Stelmaschuk
Deepest Sympathies to all the families of Bernice. May she rest in piece and remember all the good times she had in life with here family and friends
Shannon Beddome-Lorenz (Pulse Beat)
I was sad to hear the news about Bernice. Although I only had the pleasure of meeting her a few times, I enjoyed our lively conversations and her cheerful demeanour when we did cross paths.
Condolences to you and your family, Mel.
Patrick Lachance
So sorry for your loss. First met Bernice at the SunGrow Centre. She was always pleasant. May she Rest In Peace.
Pat Hammerschmidt
It’s with heavy hearts we send deepest sympathies and condolences to the Rattai & Artimowich families. Bernice was a cherished cousin who we loved to see and visit whenever we could. She had that constant smile and laughter whenever we met. Heaven has gained a real treasure.
to Melvin, Jody & Cory – big Hugs, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
take care
From the Hammerschmidts in Alberta – John, Pat, Ken, Brenda, Ed
Joy Lange
Melvin and family, my deepest sympathy in your loss. For what seems like all my life there has always been Melvin and Bernice. Her loss leaves a huge void. She was an awesome person and will be sorely missed. I’m thankful for the time spent visiting with her over the last few years.
Denise Reichert
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Karen & Art Berry
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Melvin, Jody, Cory and all of Bernice’s family .
Eric and Sian Scholz
Melvin and family,
Bernice was a wonderful woman. She will be missed but never forgotten. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate this difficult time.
Susan Marohn
So sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family.
Nancy Reid
I am so sorry for your loss. Bernice was such a sweet lady. My deepest condolences.
John Joiner & Linda Bartle
Linda and I are so sad to loose such a fun and life-loving friend. We will forever miss her semi-annual visits to her second home, here in Orlando.
Marlene Marlow
My thoughts and prayers are with you Melvin and your family She will be missed ❤️❤️
Ernest Kowalik
We don’t see each other often, Sorry for your loss. Take care
Margaret Jones
To Bernice’s family, I am so sorry to read about your loss. Even though we have not had contact for a few years, I often think about all of you and have some great memories of the past. Bernice was such a lovely person.
Hugs to everyone….Margaret Jones (Kowalik).
Nina Schewe
I’ll always remember her great hearty laugh! We had some fun times! Melvin, Cory, and Jody you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Hnatyshyn
Sorry for your loss. Cherish all the good memories.
Marcella Wolk
So sorry for your loss, Melvin and family. Will miss Bernice’s beautiful smile and the good times we shared with her at Ventura. Heaven has gained a truly wonderful person. Love and prayers to her family! ❤️
John & Loretta Weedmark
So sorry to hear of Bernice’s passing . My thoughts are with you all . I have very fond memories, Bernice always had a smile & kind words
Rose Fondeur
My condolences to you Melvin and your family. She was a special person and will be deeply missed
Shelley Smith
Melvin, I was so saddened to hear of Bernices passing. I remember the day you met and her telling me how much she liked you. Who would have guessed it would become 42 happy years together. My heart goes out to you,Jody, Cory and the grandkids. May she rest in peace,until we meet again my friend.
Kathy Lange
Melvin and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I’m sure Bernice will be greatly missed, and you can take comfort in that she is now at peace. May your wonderful memories of a life well lived keep her always in your hearts.
Sending thoughts and prayers to you at this difficult time.
Kathy
Darlene Vandenberghe
To Melvin and family. My sincere condolences to you as you deal with the loss of Bernice. Cherish your memories as they last a lifetime. RIP Bernice.
Gerald and Pamela Hawranik
We are sorry for your loss Melvin, Cory and Jody. May God Bless and Comfort all of you at this very difficult time. Sincere condolences.