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Bernice Agnes Thomson (McGarvey)
July 15, 1923 - October 22, 2013
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<div itemprop="description">Bernice Thomson, affectionately known as Ducky, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, died peacefully in her sleep, in her 91st year, on her own terms and on the Good Lord&rsquo;s schedule, on October 22, 2013, at Rideaucrest Home in Kingston. <br /> <br />She was born into the lively Irish Catholic family of the late Jim and Agnes McGarvey in Kingston on July 15, 1923. There was never a dull moment at 49 Cherry Street with sisters, the late Katherine Nobes and the late Marjorie Webber (Keith) both of Kingston, the late Elaine Browning (Doug) and brother Fred (Helen), both of Belleville, and dear friends, the late Elinor Gourley of Port Hope and the late Doreen Plunkett of Toronto. <br /> <br />Bernice graduated from Notre Dame Convent and Metzler Business School in Kingston. She married the late Dalton Thomson in 1952 and they lived together in Stratford and Montreal before settling in Toronto in 1959, where they raised their two daughters. She retired to her hometown in 1987. <br /> <br />From an early age, Bernice was spirited. A self-described tomboy, she took full advantage of the freedom that her bicycle provided. She enjoyed her summers as a playground supervisor at the local park and she danced away the war years. In the winter, Bernice grumbled about shoveling snow but knew that a thrilling toboggan run would follow. However, it was her passion for ice-skating that endured. At age 65, she took her final spin with the men&rsquo;s size 8 tube skates she bought for 298 pennies when she was 8 years old (and the only skates she ever wore), at old Jock Harty Arena at Queen&rsquo;s. <br /> <br />Over the years Bernice had many jobs and was proud to say that she loved every one of them. She successfully juggled work and motherhood at a time when most women stayed at home; she was instrumental in building Dalton&rsquo;s successful insurance business and was the neighbourhood Avon Lady, while managing a husband, kids, friends, a large extended family, and various pets, without relying on fast food or medication and still found time to paint the white picket fence around her house each year. <br /> <br />Bernice was also a tireless community volunteer and never hesitated to jump in where there was a need. She chaperoned school field trips, led the local Brownie Pack, enumerated her riding in every election until computers took over and then canvassed and made telephone calls on behalf of too many electoral candidates to remember. She always had an opinion, even if she didn&rsquo;t share it, she fought city hall when it was warranted and she always rooted for the underdog. <br /> <br />Widely regarded as the life of the party, Bernice loved to laugh, sing and play the piano and guitar. She could also tap dance on roller skates. She had a zest for life and an indomitable spirit. To Bernice the (wine) glass was always half-full and her positive attitude was infectious. She also had an unshakeable faith, an open heart and an ecumenical spirit. She loved old hymns, big band music, Irish tenors and Boy George! <br /> <br />Bernice will be missed by her daughters Melissa Thomson (Kevin Hicks) of Toronto, Kelly Anne Thomson (Steve Ardill) of Dubai, UAE, her grandchildren Dash and Piper Hicks and Paige and Griffin Ardill, her sister Cecilia Stewart of Harrowsmith and cousins Sister Marion LaFleur and Marie Cook, both of Kingston, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. She will also be missed by the birds she regularly fed in the garden at Rideaucrest and by her favourite canine companion, Bluenose. <br /> <br />A heartfelt thank you to earthly angels Christine Sovey, Wanda Chesterton, Donna Harvey and Kasey Tulk, who walked with Bernice to the Pearly Gates as far as they could go, to Cecilia Stewart and Pam Carr-Taylor who provided the support that only McGarvey nurses could give and to the staff at Rideaucrest, who Bernice came to think of as family during her time there, for their loving care and friendship. <br /> <br />A proper Irish wake will be held for Bernice on Friday, November 1, 2013 from 1-4 pm at Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home - Central Chapel and a memorial service will take place the following day, Saturday, November 2nd at 11:00 am, in the same location, with a reception to follow. Kentucky Fried Chicken will be served. Burial will take place at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Scarborough in the spring. <br /> <br />In recognition of the hours she spent counting coins collected by the students of St. Andrews Public School in Scarborough each year on Halloween night, memorial donations to UNICEF Canada would be appreciated by the family. <br /></div>