Bernice May Cosgrave

Bernice May Cosgrave

Born: September 1, 1938

Passed Away: August 15, 2023

Lived 84 Years

Celebration of Life

Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Knox United Church, Drumheller, AB.

Lunch to follow

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Bernice May Cosgrave the youngest of twin

daughters born on September 1, 1938 to Edwin and Hughene Burt. She was a beloved Wife, Mother,

Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister and Aunt and friend to so very many. Bernice was born, raised

and grew up in the Drumheller valley. Bernice May Burt and Robert Francis Cosgrave were married in

the Knox United Church 67 years ago on March 10, 1956. They were blessed with the three R’s, Richard,

Ronnie and Robin, along with Yvette, Cody and the raising of too many people, to name them all that

called her mom and grandma. She travelled many roads along the chuckwagon trail, met many people

and touched a lot of hearts. No matter where Bernice lived or travelled there was always a common

thread, all were welcome, there was always extra, you shared in a delicious home cooked meal for

anyone who happened to stop by and enjoyed a beverage. She was so proud of her all her family and

most of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bernice loved the chuckwagon life and all the

people. In 1956 Bernice worked with Calgary Stampede Announcer, Warren Cooper as statistician until

1961 when she joined CJDV Drumheller radio to cover the Calgary Stampede races live and called into a

taped line after each show to deliver the race results through to 1970. In 1971 she provided race

coverage for CFAC radio through to 1982 when she joined CFCN television and retired from the Eye In

the Sky in 2009. In 1986 both Bernice and Bob were honored as the Chuckwagon Persons of the Year

and in 2012 the Calgary Stampede Centennial Year they both were inducted into the Pioneers of Rodeo.

She was so proud to have her entire family with her when she received the Pioneers of Rodeo award.

She was a cancer survivor, receiving her treatments between chuckwagon race meets, while continuing to follow

and enjoy the sport the sport throughout. April 9, 2009 she moved into her final home, a senior

apartment at the Mapleridge Manor in Drumheller, continuing to make friends, cooking for the people

on her floor, playing cards and shuffleboard every week. Bernice was surrounded by other kind and

caring seniors, checking on and helping each other until the day of her passing. It’s her time to rest now,

forever in our hearts.

Bernice is survived by her son Ron (Dalene) Cosgrave, daughters Robin (Wes) Walker, Yvette (Tom)

Cassidy, daughter-in-law Tara Cosgrave (Ross Nelson), Cody (Miranda) Brown, grandchildren and great-

grandchildren. Her sister Shirley Jean (Burt) Pozzolo and her brother Ken Edwin Burt.

She was predeceased by both her parents Edwin Mchardy Burt, Hughene Vera (McLean) Burt, her

husband Robert (Bob) Francis Cosgrave, twin sister Bonnie Jane Koller, brother Glen Murray Burt,

grandson Colin Francis Cassidy and her beloved son Richard Robert Cosgrave.

The family wishes to express their thanks for the prayers, kindnesses and sympathies extended during

this time.

Those wishing to remember Bernice with a memorial donation please consider any charity of the

donor’s choice.