Bernetta Mary Banks

It is with great sadness the family of Bernetta Mary Banks announce her passing on August 6, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born, raised, and lived her entire life in her beloved Nelson Community, she was the daughter of Clarence and Isabell (Lynch) O’Toole. Bernetta retired after working for Chartwells/Beaver Food Services for 30 years where she was the cafeteria supervisor at MVHS. An active member of Friendly Neighbors Seniors Club, where she acted as secretary for several years, Bernetta also served many years on the board of the Beaubear Co-op.

It is the end of an era with her passing. She was the matriarch to a large, loving O’Toole clan that included her siblings, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her children and their spouses: Karen (Doug Howe), Darren (Lynda) of Riverview, Cathie (Lloyd Loggie) of Fort McMurry, Crystal (Scott Giffen) of Halifax, Treena (Andrew MacPherson) of Riverview and Troy (Krista King). Bernetta was cherished by her grandchildren Raymond, Cynthia, Adam, Rebecca, Eric, Tyler, Sara, Kelsey and Brayden. She also held dear a family relation, Kyle Trevors. Nothing brought her more joy than a house full of people right down to her 7 great grandchildren Adrien, Antoine, Peter, Cameron, Lucy, Allen and Clyde.

With the early passing of her own mother, when she was only 13, Bernetta became a stand-in mom to her siblings. They mourn her passing with very heavy hearts: Anne Marie Ricard, Walter (Chris), Ronnie (Cathy) of California, Carolyn (Donnie Cormier) and Buddy (Toby). She will be missed by a great many nieces and nephews. Her very special cousin Connie Oulton of Halifax will miss her terribly.

After moving out from her family home and into Beaubear manor apartments, a weekly highlight for Bernetta was radio bingo with her friends “The Bingo Ladies”.

Bernetta was predeceased by, and often lovingly spoke about, her own parents. She was also predeceased by her husband of many years, Allan, who she missed until the end. The loss of her cherished brother Keith was especially difficult for her.

Bernetta loved to travel, read, do crossword puzzles, play cards, and have a good time. She had battled 3 different cancers, a host of other health issues, and surprised everyone with her resilience. In spite of those challenges, she was determined to not miss a thing and enjoy her life. She was also extremely proud of her O’Toole Irish heritage. Her fondest wish was to have an Irish Wake: music/singing, having a drink, telling stories and laughing. 

At her request there will be visitation at Northumberland Funeral Home, where the family will receive relatives and friends, on Tuesday, August 12, between 5pm and 7pm. Following that, at the Friendly Neighbors Seniors Club in Nelson, from 8pm to 10pm, an Irish wake will be held celebrating her life: music, singing and toasting her off in the traditional way.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 11 am, with Fr. Anthony Dass Papu officiating.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Nelson School Breakfast program, the Friendly Neighbors Seniors Club, or to the Canadian Cancer Society.