Peacefully at home surrounded by family, at the age of 92. Adoring wife and beloved mom, Bernice is survived by Peter, her doting husband and best friend, son Paul and daughters Ursula and Sue, and will be deeply missed by sons-in-law Tim and Tom, and many extended family members and friends.
Daughter of the late Szczepan and Zofia, Bernice was a proud first-generation Canadian, born in Hamilton, Ontario. In 1947, Bernice followed her parents to Nowa Huta/Cracow, Poland and, in 1951, attended the University of Cracow where she met and fell in love with her soulmate, Peter. They married on September 9, 1956, and over 68 years built a wonderful life together, across two continents and three countries. They settled in Ottawa in 1981, where they raised their children and became active members of Ottawa’s Polish community.
Bernice’s love of reading a good book and gardening with Peter was outmatched only by her love of hosting a great party. To those who attended them, the Nawrot annual backyard BBQs were legendary; Bernice’s famous roasted potatoes, homemade coleslaw and raspberry chiffon cake never disappointed. Bernice also took great pleasure in travelling throughout North America and the Caribbean, sometimes with friends, sometimes with family, but always with Peter by her side.
Bernice’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the caregivers at Ontario Health at Home for providing compassionate and attentive care for the past four years, to fulfill Bernice’s wish to live at home in comfort. Bernice’s family also deeply thanks all the medical and administrative staff at Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa Hospital and Greenbelt Family Health for their professional, kind and caring services.
Family and Friends are invited to a time of visitation on Tuesday July 22, 2025 from 12:00pm-2:00pm at Beechwood Funeral Home, 280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, Celebration of life to take place at 2:00pm followed by burial in the Beechwood Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a time of reception at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Bernice’s name to the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation is greatly appreciated. Condolences may be left at beechwood https://www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/services/bernice-nawrot
Digital Guestbook
Ron and Mary Pitt
Louise Roy
My condolences to Piert,
Sue, Ursula, Paul, as well as to all their family and friends. I appreciated all my interactions with this smiling, welcoming, and very interesting woman.
Sincerely, Louise Roy.
Veronica Markocki
Sorry to hear of the passing of Bernice. Sending my condolences to Peter, Ursula, Paul and Sue. I remember all the lovely family times we spent together in Hamilton.
Glen & Donna Morley
Ursula & Family - our deepest condolences. Even though she was elderly & lived longer than most, it is still difficult to lose a parent & a spouse.
Sandra Akers
Sending all our love and support to you & your family, Sue. Your mom will be missed by so many.
Our deepest condolences to all of you.
The Moreau family
Bernice was an amazing woman who we will cherish in our hearts forever. We are here for you in this difficult time. Sending you all our love
The Wilk and Attersoll Families
It is with heavy hearts tgat we are writing these words.
Bronua was a wonderful, kind and pisitive person.
She always went out of her way to welcome and include everyone she ever came in contact with.
Her love of cooking was legendary and she happily exchanged recipes and offered cooking tips.
We want to extend heartfelt condolences to all those she left behind but especially to Piotr.
She was loved and will be missed.
Polish Canadian Women's Federation, Branch #8, Ottawa
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to Bronia's Family.
May she rest in peace.
Ewa Wolska Leszek Wolski
Our deepest condolences to Family
K.Anna Binkowski
My deepest condolences to the whole Family. Pani Bronia was a very kind Person. She'll be missed by so many people in the Polish community.
May She rest in peace.
Ron and I extend our deepest condolences to Peter, Paul, Ursula and Sue.
Bronia was one of the first wonderful people we met from the Polish community in Ottawa and those times we will always remember.
May she rest in peace.
Mary and Ron