It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bernice Mary Dawm (née Glasser), surrounded by her loving family, just before sunrise on June 26, 2026, at the age of 96.
Born in Chesley, Ontario, Bernice was the cherished daughter of the late John “Jack” and Lydia Glasser (née Meyers). It was there she met the love of her life, William J. Dawm. Together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and family, sharing 65 wonderful years of marriage before Bill’s passing in 2015.
Together, Bernice and Bill built a beautiful life and raised their family with love. She was a devoted mother to Paul (Lynn Symonds) and Debbie (John Wetzstein), and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bernice dedicated her life to educating children, beginning her teaching career at just 18 years of age in a one-room schoolhouse. What started as a young girl’s first classroom became a lifelong calling. She spent decades inspiring generations of students before retiring in 1989 from Vincent Massey Public School after a long and rewarding career.
To know Bernice was to know genuine kindness. She had a gentle spirit, an infectious warmth, and a remarkable generosity that made everyone feel welcome. Her easy smile and friendly nature earned her countless lifelong friendships. She wasn’t without a little impatience from time to time—a trait those who loved her came to know with a smile—but it was always overshadowed by the love and care she showed to everyone around her.
Retirement suited Bernice well. She found great joy in quilting, creating beautiful keepsakes stitched with the same love she gave so freely throughout her life. She had a sweet tooth that never faded, especially for chocolate and homemade desserts. Sunday family dinners were never complete without one of Granny’s homemade desserts.
Bernice was the proud and loving Granny of Emily (Sean Brown), Amanda (Joël Kyer), and Kristopher (Amber Warren), who will forever cherish the countless memories they made together. She loved taking her grandchildren shopping and on trips to the Experimental Farm to visit the animals. Sunday evenings after family dinner often ended with a walk to the park, and on the way home they would gather lilacs together—a simple tradition that became a treasured family memory. She later embraced the role of Great-Granny to Ayla, Caleb, Gwen, and Norah, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.
One of the things her family will miss most is her laughter. When something struck her funny, she laughed with her whole heart—her eyes squeezed tightly shut, her mouth opened wide, and her unmistakable belly laugh filled the room. It was impossible not to laugh along with her.
Bernice was predeceased by her beloved husband, William J. Dawm; her parents, John “Jack” and Lydia Glasser; her sisters, June McIntyre (Ron) and Marjorie Roult (John); and her nephew, Michael McIntyre. She is lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, dear friends, former students, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness.
Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted companions, Lisa, Lydia, Patti, Leo, and Aisha, whose friendship and care enriched Bernice’s final years. We also wish to sincerely thank the compassionate staff of Peter D. Clarke Long-Term Care Centre for their dedicated care, and the team in the Emergency Department at Queensway-Carleton Hospital for the extraordinary compassion, empathy, and dignity they showed Bernice and our family during her final hours.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bernice’s remarkable life on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Risen Lutheran Church, 85 Leacock Drive, Kanata. A brief reception will immediately follow the service. Private interment to follow, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County would be greatly appreciated by the family.
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