It is with sadness and everlasting faith that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, and grandmother, Bernadette (Gail) Bain. Gail was born in Nipigon, Ontario on September 14, 1941 to Dominic and Adelaine Martin. She was the eldest among her siblings, Gwendolyn and Glen. Gail grew up on the land of the shores of Lake Superior and Pays Plat First Nation before attending residential schools across Ontario into her teenage years.
Gail was a woman of faith and often you’d hear her reading the “Word of the Lord” at the St. John’s Berchman’s Parish in Rossport, ON. Her faith and her support of many amazing AA friends kept her sobriety strong and meaningful. Her grandchildren meant the world to her and for them, she broke the cycle, allowing her to be a consistent and loving grandmother to all.
Gail met the love of her life in Rossport, Nick (Sonny) Bain. They married on December 4th,1959 and together they built a strong family foundation. Celebrating many golden years together and always role-modeled what respect and true love looked like. Gail would often get mistaken for her grandchildren’s mother, and she loved the sound of that huge compliment. Gail enjoyed line dancing with her Rossport/Schreiber Crew. Gail and Nick often took rides to Grand Portage “to see Grandpa’s cousins” (at the Casino). They enjoyed traveling and found themselves summering with family at Lionel’s on St. Joes’ Island. A major highlight of their lives was when they headed to BC to meet Relick and the cast of the Beachcombers. Gail created an environment for her grandchildren that was nurturing, safe and loving. She watched Blue Hawaii with them many times and took them to bingo over the hill in Pays Plat once they turned 16, allowing them to drive. Gail was also quite the pie-maker and spent years as the baker for the Rossport Inn and Archie’s Little Gravel River Restaurant.
Gail is predeceased by her parents Dominic and Adelaine Martin, by her husband of fifty-eight years, Nick Bain and her sons Wilbur and D’arcy; by her sister, Gwen Gerow, brother, Glen Martin and niece Jolene Gerow. Gail is survived by her Naadaanis Anastasia Nistico (Warren) of Winnipeg; Vianna Bain of Rossport; Narcisse Bain of Lake Helen; Melissa Winters (Jim) of Schreiber; Lorinda Ward (Clint) of Schreiber; grandchildren Dale Ray (Lisa) and Crystal Gionette (Andrew), Bram and Katie Bain, Jordan and Nicole Bain, D’arcy and Jared, Jacob and Olivia, Anna and Wilbur. Great-grandchildren Shawna, Nicholas & Marcus, Gabby and Gemma, and Lillian. Her brother-in-law Walter Gerow and nephews Darren, Blaine and Earl of Rossport.
Gail will be laid to rest this summer with her husband in Rossport. Interment service will be announced at a later date.
Thank you to the medical staff at the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital for caring for Gail during her stay and sharing her humour with us all. A huge thank you to RRIB service providers for caring for Gail also. We are at peace knowing she is reunited with her sons, and husband and at eternal peace.
Miigwech.
Baa Maa Pii Grandma.
Condolences may be made through www.nwwfainc.com
