Rose Alice Louise Bernst
Rose Alice Louise Bernst (17 April 1898 – 29 June 1994 (aged 96)) was a Fort William war worker and the 1985 National Memorial (Silver Cross) Mother. She was in Rosies of the North Project
Early life
Bernst was born on 17 April 1898 in London, England, and immigrated to Canada. She married Edward Emil Bernst in Fort William. The family moved to Saskatchewan in 1916 and returned to Fort William in 1935 with eight children. Her husband served with the Forestry Corps in Scotland from 1942 to 1945.
War service
All seven of Bernst's sons served in the Canadian forces, including with the Lake Superior Motor Regiment. She worked at the Canadian Car and Foundry (CanCar) in Fort William during the war effort, hailed as a "Rosie" the riveter.
Two of her sons died in service: Private Clarence Robert Bernst died from leukemia on 29 August 1941 while serving with the Lake Superior Regiment, and Able Seaman Ronald William Bernst was killed at sea with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve.
Silver Cross Mother
In 1985, Bernst was selected as the National Memorial (Silver Cross) Mother, honouring mothers and wives of Canadian soldiers who died in Canada's wars.
Death
Bernst died on 29 June 1994 in Thunder Bay.
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Born in London, England, immigrated to Canada. Married Edward Emil Bernst in Fort William. Moved to Saskatchewan (1916), returned to Fort William (1935) with 8 children. Husband served with Forestry Corps in Scotland 1942-1945. All seven sons served in Canadian forces including Lake Superior Motor Regiment. Worked at CanCar in Fort William during war effort, hailed as "Rosie" the riveter. Son Private Clarence Robert Bernst died from leukemia August 29, 1941 while serving with Lake Superior Regiment. Another son, Able Seaman Ronald William Bernst, killed at sea with Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve. Selected as 1985 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother, honoring mothers and wives of Canadian soldiers who died in Canada's wars.