Bernice is no longer with us

It's hard to believe but Bernice is no longer with us. This Wednesday, as a result of an accident, we lost our dear groupmate, friend, the 1st year master's student Bernice. It is difficult for us to find words to express how much this news has shocked us. We will always remember Bernice as a bright, positive and kind person with a charming smile and a great interest not only in studying, but also in foreign cultures. Bernice had great potential to achieve her dreams. She was a warm, friendly and likeable person and her presence in our group will be greatly missed. 

On behalf of all the students in our group and the faculty, we extend our condolences to Bernice's family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bernice’s family and close people at this hard time.

 Here are some words and memories about Bernice from our students: 

“Bernice was a very kind and friendly soul. She was always cheerful and caring. She will be deeply missed.” 

“Please know that you're in our thoughts and prayers. My sincerest condolences for an incredibly great loss. I'll never forget your support when I was down and everything you have done to me, your helpful messages and funny stories. We were more than colleagues, we were a family. It's hard to forget someone who gave us so much things to remember.  Rest in peace sweet soul…”

“I remember Bernice as a reserved and easy-going person who is passionate about life. Our school discussions usually ended up as a pleasant banter about literally everything - from movies to food, from languages to traveling, and so on. I remember Bernice not just as a classmate but rather as a friend with great integrity and perfect sense of humor. I miss her, and I know we all do. May she find peace.”

“She was such a brilliant student. It was a truly pleasure to listen to her. My deep condolences, the loss is hard to admit. She was a great partner, and she gave us the last insight – we need to seize the moment and appreciate every little detail of our lives. And we are eternally grateful."

“Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to get to know Bernice as much as I wanted. But one thing I know for sure, she was a strong woman. Her speech about women rights in one of our classes made me reconsider lots of things and showed what a wonderful person Bernice was. She always fought and never gave up.”

“I remember her as a very positive person. Despite the circumstances and the distance between all of us, she quickly made friends among us. I wish I could meet with her personally. Rest in peace.”

“She opened to me how close people’s souls and thoughts could be even when they live far away from each other in different countries.

I remember one case very well. We worked on a project. After a general zoom call we arranged another one. It happened that foreign students usually united in their own group, and Russian students — in their own. Therefore, there was little communication. We talked about different things, and it was a revelation to me that the principles of life in Ghana are very similar to ours. Bernice was interested in Russian cuisine, she was cooking something during our conversation. Then we talked about the weather and Russian people’s attitude to cold and hot weather.  Suddenly she asked me about a Russian wedding. Bernice had heard that there were a lot of fun, but she hadn't had a chance to talk to anyone about it, because a lot of people of our age weren't married yet. She thought that I was much older, that I had a family and children, and therefore asked me a question about the wedding. I was only a guest at such an event. Well, at least I told you that from memory.

Then Bernice told us about her plans to visit Russia. She was going to get information about flights to Nizhny Novgorod. I was surprised that in Russia there were unthinkable distances between cities. I told her that it was certainly reflected in our hearts, and promised — since I was a musician — to write her a sketch about those parts. The release was on May, 2021... Sometimes it happens.” 

To Bernice

Gone too soon. No comforting words can soothe our grieving hearts. Thank you for your existence. You were a girl with passion and aspiration. The girl with strong personality and strength to attract people and make them smile. Thank you for working hard and being with us.

This is how memory about you will endure and help us to be good and true.

From all of us, thank you, Bernice.

A song that our classmate Daniel Morozov dedicated to Bernice. 

Em(OH)2 – Étude à Bernice (MP4, 9.60 Мб)