Obituary of Bernie Jackson

In Loving Memory

Bernadette “Bernie” Jackson

August 13, 1959 ~ October 9, 2025

With overwhelming sadness, the family of Bernadette “Bernie” Alma Marie Jackson nee Gendre, shares of her passing on the evening of October 9, 2025, at the Stettler Health Centre with her daughter Christine by her side.

Bernie was born August 13, 1959, in Stettler Alberta to Leon and Rose-Marie Gendre. The fourth born of seven children. She was raised on the farm south of Erskine in the Ewing Lake Community where her father was born and raised as well. Attending Erskine School until grade 9, then moving onto William E Hay Composite High School in Stettler to finish her schooling. While in high school Bernie met a boy through their mutual friend group. They became friends then started dating. He was a football player, she was a cheerleader. That is how Donnie and Bernie started their tale of many years to come.

Graduating in 1977 Bernie moved to Red Deer and started work at Fletchers Printing. She remained in Red Deer until summer of 1978 when after Don graduated, they got married. August 15th at the ages of 19 they said I Do. They bought a little house in Erskine to start their life together. Bernie worked at the Stettler Independent and AGT over the next years, building fun and memorable relationships that have carried on. If she wasn’t on the go with work, she could also be found at the family farm helping her dad doing what she loved, getting her hands dirty.

In 1981 they moved to an acreage on Ross Lake Road where they resided and started their family. Christine in 82’, Anthony 85’ and Tyler 87’. And then purchasing the family farm from her parents in 1988. Bernie loved the farm! As challenging as being a farmer was, she managed. Having her Herford herd of approx. 40 cows at a time, then all the other farm animals that would be around. Even having a flock of sheep for a while. Lambing in the laundry room on the cold nights was not uncommon.

In 1996 life changed for the farm girl with the purchase of Wells Furniture transitioning into a businesswoman or as we grew to know her as “Wacky Woman of Wells”. For the next almost 29 years Bernie took the challenges and grew the store into what it is. She created a space for people to come, gather, drink, eat treats, laugh, and of course buy furniture. It wasn’t uncommon to walk in the store, and Bernie have someone sitting and chatting away with her. She loved her community. Giving as she could to multiple groups in Stettler and surrounding communities. If you ever went to a HYC Awesome Auction night you would often find her doing the “Vanna” with merch.

Bernie will be leaving a huge hole as many have implied, but we can be the ones to fill that. We can live life as Bernie showed. With Faith, love, kindness and generosity. “A smile is happiness you will find right under your nose”, as her parking spot says at Wells.

Bernie was pre-deceased by her Mother Rose-Marie, brother Marcel and sister Lillianne.

Bernie will be deeply missed by her family, yes, it’s a big family! But also, by so many cherished friends and all that had the chance to know Bernie and that mega watt smile.

Family

Bernie is survived by husband Donald; daughter Christine (Sheldon), sons Anthony and Tyler (Sarah); grandchildren- Avery, Broc, Shanelle, Alexis, Rowan, Luke, Joshua, Hazel, step-granddaughter Taylor (son Lincoln); great-granddaughter Presley Rosa; father Leon; sisters Lucille (Rick), Yvonne; brothers Louis (Cammy), Henri (Lisa); sister in law Patti; aunts Henriette Lirrette and Rita Reinbold. As well as many relatives near and far, chosen family, cherished friends and all who knew Bernie.

Celebration of Life

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

1:00 P.M.

Christ King Catholic Church, Stettler AB.

Overflow will be accommodated in the Parish Hall and the Stettler PAC (across school parking lot) **Service also live-streamed to Stettler Funeral Home Website**

Please join with the family for a Luncheon to follow at Stettler Community Hall at approx. 2:30 p.m.

Donations in memory of Bernie are gratefully accepted to Heartland Youth Centre,  Stettler Food Bank or charity of your choice.