Bernice Clark wasn’t just a leader—she was a steward of both people and history. As the first paid coordinator of Meals on Wheels in Peterborough, she nurtured the program’s growth for 25 years, ensuring that meals were delivered not just with efficiency but with care and compassion. Under her leadership, service expanded from 120 to 480 meals per week, and the volunteer team grew from 130 to over 500 dedicated individuals.
She often spoke of the importance of preserving the histories of those she served, recognizing that every meal delivered was also an opportunity to hear a story, to acknowledge a life well-lived. “I love what I’m doing … there is so much history out there,” she said in a 1985 interview, reflecting on the wisdom held by the aging population she served.
But Bernice’s stewardship extended beyond clients—she was equally dedicated to the volunteers who made the service possible. She set high expectations, believing that every delivery was more than just a transaction; it was a connection. Volunteers remember her as a tireless leader who ensured they had the tools, encouragement, and guidance to do their work well.
Despite her own hard work, Bernice was quick to share the credit. “The volunteers are the lifeline of this association,” she once said, recognizing that without them, the program would not thrive. She also praised the generosity of Peterborough’s community, knowing that Meals on Wheels existed because people believed in it.
When she retired in 2003, Bernice called her time with Meals on Wheels a vocation rather than a job. For 25 years, she had not only delivered meals—she had preserved dignity, honoured stories, and built a legacy of care.
