Bernice Laurel Nelson (Nee Bancroft)

Bernice Nelson passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the age of 88 years with family at her side.

Bernice was predeceased by her dear husband Brian Nelson, a grandson Reed Nelson, and a brother Roland Bancroft.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Wade Nelson (Gloria) of Calgary, Stephen Nelson (Mayita) of Calgary, Caroline Harris (Richard) of St. George, UT, Laurel Ursenbach (Charles) of Houston, TX, Tracey Davidsen (Glenn) of Calgary, Howard Nelson (Tolu) of Calgary, and Barbra Williams (Mathew) of Holbrook, AZ; 27 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Bernice is also survived by three siblings, Lois Mulholland (David) of Farmington, UT, John Bancroft (Fay) of Airdrie, and Glenda Evans (Don) of Calgary; a large extended family and many dear friends.

Bernice was born and raised in Perth, Australia. She loved Australia and had many happy times there, especially with her brother, Roland, before his passing when she was 9 years old. At the age of 6 she began piano lessons where her mother noted to the piano teacher that she could play by ear. At age 17 she was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she became friends with the Mallers and enthusiastically joined and embraced the Gospel. She moved across the world by ship to Salt Lake City, Utah with Beryl Pitcher, her lifelong friend. Her remaining siblings were still quite young but in later years they and her parents followed her to North America.  After a brief time in Utah she moved to Edmonton, AB where she met her sweetheart, Brian. They married in the Cardston Temple and settled in NW Calgary where they raised their 7 children and grew deep roots. Bernice’s musical talents shone bright as she participated in multiple musical productions and accompanied musical numbers throughout her life. She had a gifted mind and was a lifelong learner. She had a vast knowledge of and interest in history, music, current events and politics. She loved to travel and shared that love with her children, but her “piece of heaven” was being in Hawaii with Brian. As a prolific knitter, she has left many beautiful creations behind with both family and friends. Even when she was unable to read due to failing eyesight she was still knitting. Just 2 weeks ago she got another shipment of wool! Bernice was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in a variety of callings, including a number of missions. These missions included years of service in the Banff Branch, time in St. George, Utah and most memorably her year and a half with Brian in Mongolia. While shy in nature, Bernice had a love of people, especially her children and grandchildren, where she took great interest in the details of their lives. She was generous, kind, talented and leaves a beautiful legacy.

We would like to thank the staff of Dulcina Hospice who worked hard to make her comfortable and gave us and our Mom such loving care.

A Funeral Service will be held for Bernice at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Panorama Chapel (155 Panamount Blvd NW, Calgary) on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 10:00 am. A visitation will take place from 9:00 to 9:45 am at the Church, prior to the funeral. The funeral will be broadcast live at

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89119501567

, Interment will follow the service at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Hug’s from home or messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca.