Obituary of BERNEICE KIRKWOOD

Mary Berneice (Bee) Kirkwood, 99, of Waterford, ON, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday January 19th, 2024, at Norfolk General Hospital.  Bee was born on May 26^th, 1924, at home on the Golding dairy farm in Rockford, On.  She was the third of seven children born to Ralph and Fern Golding. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Rockford before high school in Waterford.  Berneice Golding met Wally Kirkwood at Summer Gardens in Port Dover, just after the end of WW2. He was a good dancer and she loved to dance. They were married on October 26, 1946, and moved from Norfolk county to Burlington, ON. They raised four sons: Ralph, Robert, Richard, and Ronald. Bee was a proud mother and was cherished by her boys. She was an amazing cook and loved to bake for her family, skills she lovingly passed on to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  In retirement, Bee and Wally enjoyed cottaging in northern On. They spent many happy years wintering at their home in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, with many wonderful friends and frequent family visits. Bee was loved by all who knew her.  She is survived by her loving sister, Carol Batson, her adoring brother, Star Golding (Isabel), sons, Ralph Kirkwood, and Robert Kirkwood (Wendy). Bee will be deeply missed by grandchildren, Michael Grant (Tammy Horn); Rihannon Kirkwood (Martin Myke), Eryn Kirkwood (Aaron Stanger), and Carol Ann Earle (Jason Eberly), great grandchildren, Sara Kirkwood, Olivia Kirkwood, Ty and Katie Earle, and great, great grandchildren, Ronnie, and Miloh Park. Bee is survived by her many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.  Bee is predeceased by her husband Wallace C. Kirkwood, sisters Norma Ribble, Shirley Stratford, brothers Bob Golding, Fred Golding, sons Ron Kirkwood, Rick Kirkwood, and great granddaughter Madelaine Kirkwood.  A special thank you to Brenda, staff, and the Lefler family at Golden Pond for the friendship, support, and kindness you showed Bee. Thank you to the 4^th floor staff at Norfolk General Hospital.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 26^th, 2024, at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 123 from 2-5pm. A private service, with immediate family only, will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Waterford on Wednesday January 24^th, 2024. As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).