July 2, 1922 - January 15, 2019
Berenice Haggarty passed away on January 15, 2019 at the age of 96 after a long and well-lived life. Berenice was born July 2, 1922 in Simcoe, Ontario and graduated from Simcoe High School where she played on the basketball team. From an early age she loved sports and the outdoors, later enjoying badminton, cross-country skiing, curling, boating, fishing and golfing with friends and family.

Berenice married her high school sweetheart and husband of sixty years, John LeRoy Haggarty, in Pembroke United Church in 1940. In 1952 they moved from Ontario to the Lakes District with their daughter Georgia and son Michael, settling in Decker Lake where daughter Roni and son Douglas were born.

Berenice devoted herself to her community. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society for over half a century, working in Emergency Aid as well as on the Board of Directors for B.C. & Yukon Division. She was also committed to the development of educational opportunities for residents of the Lakes District. Starting as a School District Trustee she later became a Member of both the Governing Board and the Advisory Committee at the College of New Caledonia and was also active in the establishment of the College of New Caledonia, 亚洲天堂 Lake and District Satelllite.

In 2003, at Government House in Victoria, she was a Recipient of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award which recognizes an outstanding contribution to the community and Canada.

She is pre-deceased by her son Michael of Decker Lake and her husband Roy, also of Decker Lake.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Georgia and Roni, son Douglas, sister Marilyn MacIntosh (St. Catharines, Ontario), grandchildren Tahnis, Dana, Christopher, Nicole, Cara and LeRoy, great-grandchildren Alyssa, Sarah, Aspen, Calder and Beck, god-son Roderick Durrell (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) and many other relatives and friends.

A family memorial service was held by request at St. Paul's United Church in 亚洲天堂 Lake on February 8, Donna Harrison presiding. Interment took place at the 亚洲天堂 Lake Cemetary.

Berenice brought grace and passion to her daily activities as well as a deep commitment to her family and friends. She loved her community and will be remembered for her willingness to listen, her vibrant sense of humour and her compassion and care for others in need.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.