DR. KAREN MARGUERITE BERG

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DR. KAREN MARGUERITE BERG July 5, 1958 - May 20, 2013 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Karen Marguerite Berg on Monday, May 20, 2013 on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia at the age of 54 years. Karen will be dearly missed by her three cherished children: daughter Anora and sons Aren and Sam; sister Merrill Berg (Mark Doerksen); brother Dr. Greg Berg (Krisha) and their children Alexei, Adam and Andrew; many extended family members, friends, patients and colleagues. Karen was born to Marguerite (Ramona) Campbell and Louis Alexander (Alex) Berg in Winnipeg, MB on July 5, 1958. She was predeceased by her mother in 1993 and father in 2013. Karen grew up in Transcona, a suburb of Winnipeg, MB. She was a beautiful, gifted, hardworking and fun loving girl who excelled academically and in many activities. She greatly enjoyed being outdoors where she could explore, hike, bike and camp and was a member of Brownies and Girl Guides. She enjoyed years of lessons in piano, dance, ballet and swimming. She loved music and played the piano skillfully. She worked in the Community Summer Education outdoor programs and for Via Rail. She was an adventurous teenager who participated in the Outward Bound Program and cycled on the Trans Canada highway to Ontario and British Columbia. She enjoyed spending her summers visiting her mother's extended family in Quibell, ON. She loved travelling and ventured across Canada and to many countries including Scotland, Thailand and New Zealand. She was a strong endurance athlete, participating in half and full marathons, triathlons, mountain hikes and yoga. She recently earned her Brown Belt in Karate. At the age of eight, Karen knew she wanted to be a doctor and achieved that dream, earning her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Manitoba in 1982. She completed Postgraduate programs in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science (1983) and Anesthesia (1984). She initially worked in many communities in Manitoba and Ontario. At the age of 12, Karen knew she wanted to live in British Columbia and achieved that dream in 1989. She moved at first to Vancouver and then to Salt Spring Island in 1990 where she set up her Family Practice, which spanned 23 years. She also served in the Northwest Territories for short periods each year helping the northern communities. Karen contributed to the well-being of the Salt Spring community, sharing in the challenges and triumphs of her patients and celebrating the births of babies with many mothers. Karen loved life and lived it to the fullest. She delighted in the awe and beauty of the world around her. She loved taking walks with her children and dogs, having a snuggle with her cat and hiking Mount Erskine to see the fairy doors. She took great pleasure in her beautiful garden, the fragrance of a spring rain in the forest and a rainbow in the sky. One of her greatest joys was sharing a meal with her children, family and friends, playing a board game such as scrabble and having a good time being together. Karen cared deeply for her children, family, friends, patients and colleagues. She was truly compassionate, generous and joyful. Above all, Karen loved her children; Aren, Anora and Sam with all her heart. She took great joy watching her children grow and looked forward to seeing them achieve their dreams. She was very proud of each of them. You are forever in our hearts dear Karen. We love you. Rest in Peace. A Celebration of Life for Karen will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame, Winnipeg (across from Brookside Cemetery). NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2014