Bernice Dorothy Hibbs (nee Baggs)
February 16, 1942 to January 18, 2024
Obituary
It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Bernice Dorothy Hibbs (nee Baggs) who died peacefully, at her home, in St. John’s, on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the age of 81 years.
Bernice is predeceased by her parents, John and Winnifred Baggs, her brothers Ernest and Edwin, her granddaughter Anna Hibbs, her sister-in-law Margaret Baggs, as well as her parents-in-law Harvey and Georgina Hibbs.
Leaving with many precious memories, her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, Ford Hibbs; her son Dennis (Erika Fowler); and daughter Leanne (Michael Lewis); her cherished grandchildren Nicholas and Eva Hibbs, and Fiona Lewis.
Also leaving to mourn her siblings: Enos (Maisie) Baggs, Louise (Roy) Parsons, Larry (Susie) Baggs, and Arthur (Alice) Baggs; sister-in-law Minnie Baggs; brothers-in-law Roy (Sylvia) Hibbs, and Kevin Hibbs.
Bernice will also be sadly missed by a large circle of nieces, nephews, and extended family, as well as many close family friends.
Bernice spent her childhood in Bluff Head Cove, Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador. She began her teaching career, at the young age of 16, before attending Memorial University of Newfoundland, and obtaining her Education Degree.
Bernice met Ford in Grand Falls-Windsor and married in 1971. They subsequently settled in that community where they raised their family, and where she continued her teaching career.
Bernice was well known for her exceptional cooking and baking skills, with the result that her home was a welcome stopover for family and friends, passing through Grand Falls/ Windsor, to enjoy her homemade delights.
In more recent years, Ford and Bernice moved to St. John’s, to be closer to their children, and to dote on her grandchildren, whom she adored.
Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, who cared for Bernice, over the last number of years, as her health declined.
A private family service will be held on Sunday. A celebration of her life will take place later this year. Donations to her memory can be made to the Salvation Army.
Ford and Family,
Remembering with much fondness the years I taught with Bernice when we were Grade One team teachers at Windsor Academy, I, too, share in your sorrow with her passing. As you mourn the loss of a selfless loving and devoted wife, mom, and grandmother., others of us mourn the passing of a caring and dedicated teacher and friend. May your many precious memories of her surround, sustain and comfort you all as you go through the difficult time ahead. Rest in Peace Bernice, you will certainly be missed by those of us who were privileged to have known you and your kind gentle spirit.
Judi Blackmore
Mr. Hibbs, Dennis, Leanne and family,
I am sorry to hear the sad news about Mrs. Hibbs’ passing. She was always kind to me any time I was in her company and was such a sweet woman. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Treasure your happy memories.
Dennis and family… my condolences on the passing of your dear mom. May she rest in peace. Cherish your beautiful memories at this difficult time…. Annette
Ford and Family,
Thinking of you during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless.
I have fond memories of when Mrs. Hibbs taught me kindergarten and grade one at Windsor Academy. She also taught me her go-to chocolate chip recipe (I still use it!).
My condolences to the family.
Leanne and Family
Sending our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Mom. May your precious memories help ease your grief. God Bless
Marilyn and Jim
So sorry to hear about your loss Hugs to you and your family
Ford and Family,
We are saddened to hear about Bernice’s passing.
Heartfelt thoughts go out to you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Louise and Scott Gillingham
Grand Falls-Windsor
Ford and family
Sorry to hear of Bernices passing Lots of fine memories during our years at Windsor Academy such as staff socials and Christmas get together and painting the mural in the gym o what laughs Deepest condolences to the family and Rest in peace Bernice
Ford and family: I was saddened to learn of Bernice’s passing. I have wonderful memories of teaching with her in the Windsor school system. She was a warm, genuine lady, and will be missed. May the beautiful memories you have of her, give you strength and courage in the days ahead, Sincere Condolences, Barbara Budgell.
Our sincere condolences to you Ford, Dennis, Leanne and families on the passing of Bernice. We have lots of good memories of you guys as neighbours when you lived in Grand Falls-Windsor. We often talk about those memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate your new normal. Losing those we love is never easy but lean on each other for strength to get through the days ahead. Cherish each and every memory. May God’s peace and love surround you at this sad time.
Wayne and Lorraine Gidge
Betty and I would like to express our sympathy on the passing of Bernice. The Hibbs family were great friends of ourselves and we remember them well when they lived in Grand Falls-Windsor. Our sincerest condolences to Ford and Leanne and the rest of the family. We are all saddened by her loss.
To the Hibbs family,
Please accept my deepest condolences..
Maxine Stanleyqqq
Ford, our deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss.
Ford and family Sending prayers to you all at this sad time. Bernice was a wonderful lady and certainly has left beautiful memories for you all. Much love from all the Dunphy family.
Leanne, Michael and Fiona, Ford, Dennis and family…our heartfelt condolences as you say goodbye to your mother, partner, and grandmother. Bernice was a beautiful person…a kind and gentle soul who touched our hearts with her smile. I am so grateful to have experienced her grace and gentle spirit 💙
Ford so sorry to read of your wife’s passing may she rest in peace