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Posted Jul 7, 2026 | 11:35 AM
MAKEPEACE (Nelson), Lois Bernice – Bernice passed away at Hastings Manor, Belleville, Ontario, in her 95th year, on July 2, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Arthur Makepeace, married for 61 years. Mother of Craig (Janice), Cindy (Paul Soucy), Scott (Nicolle) and Neil (Ivy). Grandmother of Amanda, Shelley, Brad, Adam, Jason, Tyler and Aaron. Predeceased by her parents, Mary (McCubbin) and Wilbert Nelson, and her siblings Mac, Jean Hay, Muriel, and William Robert. Ever remembered by her nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Warkworth, and after graduating from Warkworth High School, Bernice attended Ryerson Institute of Technology and then Toronto Teacher’s College. She spent numerous years teaching at Warkworth High School, Vaughn Road Public School, Elliott Lake Public School, Wawa – Carl M. Beck Public School, Wawa – Sir James Dunn Public School, Stoney Creek – Mountain View Public School, and then retiring after 13 years teaching at Kirkland Lake Collegiate Vocational Institute.
Bernice and Art retired to White River where she conceived the idea of a museum and a yearly summer festival and soon established the White River Museum all while promoting the true story of Winnie the Pooh, the bear that was sold at the railway in White River, which ended up in the London Zoo. The festival is now celebrating their 38th festival in August.
While retired, Bernice and Art enjoyed their time travelling to places such as Alaska, France, Italy, British Virgin Islands, East Coast & West Coast Canada, across the USA, New Zealand, Caribbean, United Kingdom, France, Hawaii, and their number one favourite place, Australia.
From White River to Port Hope, she resided there from 2001 to 2025. Sincere gratitude to the staff at Empire Crossing in Port Hope where she resided from 2018 to 2025. She moved to Hastings Manor, Belleville, in August 2025, Spruce Villa, and we extend our most heartfelt thank you for your kindness, support, and tender care of Bee.
Funeral service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Warkworth, on Saturday July 11th at 1:00 pm. Online condolences at ww.weaverfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Warkworth, Ontario would be appreciated by the family.