Dec. 4 1938 – May 16 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bernice Janet Cooper. Bernie passed peacefully at Victoria Hospice in her sleep, with family by her side.
Bernie will be remembered as a tenacious, fun-loving, and active lady, full of style and class. She could always be counted on for her generosity – of spirit, honest opinions, time for family and friends, and delicious home-baked treats. She enjoyed a long career at BC Hydro and actively volunteered in her community in retirement.
Bernice wished to express her deepest gratitude for the many wonderful people in her life, including her loving husband of 27 years Dr. Bill Pfaffenberger, her beautiful family and her loyal friends met through tap dancing, golf and knitting.
Bernice is survived by her husband Bill, sister Shirley Gain, three children Gail, Glen and Brian (Diana), five grandchildren Melissa (Dave), Emily (Sean), Chloe (Kai), Grady (Madison) and Mitchell (Kelly), and four great-grandchildren Turner, Avery, Ace and Isla, who were the light and joy of her final years.
Our thanks to the wonderful staff at Victoria Hospice and to Dr. Mc Gregor for making her last days a time when family could gather and grieve her passing by her side, in an atmosphere full of love, music and warmth.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Colwood Golf Club, 629 Goldstream Avenue on Friday, July 18 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria Hospice.
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When I think of Bernice I will always remember her singing “Oh the weather outside is frightful” during the middle of the summer. I’m assuming it was one for her favourite Christmas songs.
I had the pleasure of working with Bernice at BC Hydro and thanks to Facebook I was able to watch and enjoy her wonderful travels and adventures with Bill.
My condolences to the family. She will be missed.
Hi Karen,
That is a great memory, she did love Christmas songs! Thank you for your kind words about my Grandma. She will be so missed. Her celebration of life will be on July 18th at 2pm at the Royal Colwood Golf Course if you are able to attend. Thank you!
Chloe
Hi Karen,
That is a great memory, she did love Christmas songs! Thank you for your kind words about my Grandma. Her celebration of life will be on July 18th at 2pm at the Royal Colwood Golf Course if you are able to attend. Thank you!
Chloe
I am so sorry to learn that Bernie has passed away – tap class will not be the same without her beautiful smile and warm, kind heart. ❤️
Hi Suzanne,
Thank you for your kind words about my Grandma. Her celebration of life will be on July 18th at 2pm at the Royal Colwood Golf Course if you are able to attend. Thank you!
Chloe
I am so very sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing, and so grateful for the five years of fun we shared at our weekly tap dance classes. Bernie always had a bright smile and stories to share about golf, her adventures with Bill, and the pride she felt in her children and grandchildren. My deepest sympathies to Bill and her family at this sudden, sad loss.
Hi Heather,
Thank you for your kind words about my Grandma. She sure did love her weekly tap classes with all of you! If you are able to attend, the celebration of life will be on July 18th at 2pm at the Royal Colwood Golf Course. Thank you!
Chloe
I was very fortunate to meet Bernice’Bernie’ at the Cordova Bay Golf course.We had many wonderful rounds of golf together. Bernie was always telling us about her treasured Bill and family with do much love and pride.Our foresome had a wonderful trip to Long Beach Lodge at Tofino.Several of us were having a beverage today (May 22 )at Cordova Bay golf course sharing our memories of a special Lady in our lives.I am truly sorry for your loss of a wife a mother and grandmother.There are no words that can truly ease the pain of a loss like this,but if caring thoughts can help they are with you right now.Sincerely Kathryn Wilcock
Hi Kathryn,
Thank you for your kind words about my Grandma. I’m so glad you had so many fond memories with her. We will miss her dearly. Her celebration of life will be on July 18th at 2pm at the Royal Colwood Golf Course if you are able to attend.
Dear Bill, We wish to express our deepest condolences to you and your extended Pfaffenberger and Cooper Families. We were so surprised and saddened by the death of your wife and mother. We are thinking of you during these difficult times. Sincerely, Larry and Shari
This is such sad news for those of us in the tap dance collective and the Tappy knitters who loved Bernie’s fun-loving nature. She was such a bright light in my world and I will miss her deeply. She never forgot a kindness and she will remain forever my wonderful friend.
Sorry to hear of Bernice’s untimely passing! I worked closely with her for years at BC Hydro and was impressed by her cheerfulness and indominatable spirit! She never seemed to change with passing years! We will miss you Bernice!
Bill McCracken
Dear Bill and extended family,
We are so very sorry about Bernie’s passing. She was a kind, beautiful and inspirational friend. Her smile lit up the room. We will miss her terribly, but she will always remain in our thoughts and our hearts.
Hugs from Mike and Lorraine