Bernice Mavis Polvi
Bernice, or Bern, as her family and friends called her, died unexpectedly in the University of Alberta
Hospital on January 16, 2025.
Bern was raised on a farm near Rocanville, SK. She graduated high school in 1976 and then moved to
Edmonton. Bern’s dedication and perseverance were evident when she graduated from the University
of Alberta with her BA (with distinction) in Sociology in 1997 and her Master of Library and Information
Science in 2000. She accomplished all this while working full time and attending university part time.
Bern’s working career was spent in libraries and information science. She worked in different public
libraries, the U of A Special Collections Library, law libraries and as an Electronic Information
Management Specialist before retiring in 2016.
Bern met Mark in 1982 while living in Edmonton. They later moved to Sherwood Park where Bern
created a welcoming back yard garden retreat with their cat family. She was a cat whisperer and loved
her furry friends. Isaac, Kato, Xena, Lucas and Rudy were waiting to greet her. Quincy and Tico are left
to mourn with us.
Bern is survived by Mark, her partner of 42 years, her sisters Kim (Ron Humphreys), Lynn Sveinbjornson
(Bob), her brother Keith (Diane), niece Lauren (Colin) and many friends.
Bern will miss golfing with the Senior Ladies League at Broadmoor Golf Club, bopping to Blackie and the
Rodeo Kings, dim sum, watermelon margaritas, her garden, her road trips with Kim and sharing a good
laugh whenever she could.
A service of remembrance in Bern’s honor may be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers
donations in Bern’s name may be made to your local animal shelter.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
-- Mary Elizabeth Frye
Dear sisters are hard to let go of. How richly blessed you were to have her for 66 years as a beautiful woman and now for the rest of your life as a guardian angel who not only supports you and your family but your cats too.
Let your tears flow freely so your laughter can be loud. Love never ends. Our hearts share your pain.
So sorry to hear about Bernice’s passing, Mark. Sending hugs your way, my friend.
Bern’s great smile, the twinkle in her eye and her incredible warmth will be missed. Thinking of Mark and all the Polvi family.
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate your post. She will be missed.
We’re so sorry to hear of Bern’s passing. We send heartfelt condolences to her partner Mark, siblings Kim, Lynn, & Keith and to all her extended family. May she rest in peace.
To Kim and Ron
May the wonderful memories of Bern shine through the sorrow.
love from Ruth
Bernice was my cousin although we did not know each other. I learned of her passing from my aunt Norma, uncle Bernard’s youngest sister. My mother was Mildred, and I am the youngest daughter. I am saddened to hear this news… I have always wanted to make a connection with these cousins… perhaps that could happen?, they were friends with my older siblings and I have family photos.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
Cheryl Hollinger (nee Johnson)