Award Description

The Bernice Read Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to a Registered Nurse who is studying at the baccalaureate or graduate level in order to pursue a career in the field of Community Nursing. Preference will be given to nurses studying at the baccalaureate level.

Origin

The Bernice Read Nursing Scholarship was initiated in her memory by her family shortly after her death in 2010.

Honoree Background

Bernice Read was a community nurse who remained passionate about nursing throughout her career. Anyone who knew Bernice personally, knew of her caring nature and her drive to help those in need. Bea always put her own needs second, as she touched the lives of many people through her nursing and her generous volunteerism.  

Bea had two nursing careers, one with the Military and the other as a civic nurse. The military took her places such as Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Shilo, and Fort Churchill. It also took her around the world to places such as Germany. As a civic nurse she was involved with the Saint John’s Ambulance and was awarded the Officer of the Order Saint John in 1985, presented by the Governor General. With the Victorian Order of Nurses she was inducted as an Honorary Life Member in 2009. With the Canadian Cancer Society she was awarded the Service Award for 20 years of service in 2010. She was a Past President of the Lioness Club – 1978, and a Past President of the Inner Wheel 1991 to 1992. She was continually involved at St. Peter’s Church as the 1st Chair of the Health and Healing Committee, Friends at 10, and many other roles within the local Church. Bea was a wonderful storyteller and loved to reminisce about growing up in Manitoba, her earlier times in Cobourg, and her nursing career.  She graduated with her RN from the Brandon General Hospital nurse training program in 1948.  She received her Diploma in Public Health from the University of Alberta in 1965. While grieving for their loss, Bernice’s friends and family also celebrated her full and well-lived life.