Berna Birch Lloyd (née Sheridan)

We are deeply saddened to announce Berna Birch Lloyd (née Sheridan) passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. She was born December 26, 1923 in Soperton, Ontario.

Berna was the personification of generosity, selflessness, and devotion. She came of age as part of a generation who put their lives on hold to defend something greater than themselves; Berna carried that spirit with her throughout her entire life.

As a mother, Berna instilled the values of hard work, curiosity, and kindness in her children. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and nurturing their interests in the arts, athletics, and beyond.

To the end, Berna had a curious and seeking spirit, always eager to learn something new. She was a gregarious and genuinely charming personality - a trait she passed along to her kids, grandkids, and even her great-grandkids. A beautiful singer in her own right, she had a deep love for the opera and traveled to famous opera houses around the world. In the summers, she found joy in her garden—hands in the dirt, lovingly tending to her flowers and growing her cherished tomatoes.

Berna had a lifelong passion for art and culture, and she expressed that passion through a long and fulfilling career as a high school Latin and English teacher, where she had a profound and lasting impact on her students. At her 100th birthday celebration, former students of Berna's attended to share their fond memories and gratitude for their cherished teacher, so many decades later. Berna loved her students, and they loved her right back.

We will remember Berna for her beaming smile, her joyful laughter, and her boundless enthusiasm for art, music, theatre, languages, and travel. We will think of her when we see daisies in bloom, during lake swims on hot summer days, and during rainy day rounds of crokinole. Every time we bite into a butter tart, we’ll be reminded that none will ever be as good as hers.

Berna is survived by her four loving children Bronwen Lloyd, Tom Lloyd, Martha Capyk (Alan), and Roberta Lloyd; her grandchildren Mark Banks (Karen), Matthew Banks (Naomi), Luke Banks, Stephen Capyk (Julia), Tom Capyk (Tamara), Andrew Capyk (Juana), Isabelle Pouliot (Matt), and Hugh Pouliot (Jennifer); as well as her great-grandchildren Kristen Banks, Michaela Banks, Huxley Banks, Beatrice Capyk, Daphne Capyk, Freya Capyk, Cruz Capyk-Diaz, Mateo Capyk-Diaz, Santiago Capyk-Diaz, Grayson Mosley, and Eugenie Pouliot.

The service will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm (Doors open at 11:00 for visitation) at Tubman Funeral Home, 403 Richmond Road, Ottawa.

In memory of Berna, donations may be made to the Canadian Opera Company.