Dorothy BERARD

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BERARD: Dorothy Rose Berard (nee Novak) passed away on January 1, 2014 at Brandon Regional Hospital. In accordance with her wishes, her remains will be interred next to the grave of her deceased husband, Gerry Berard, and a Funeral Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Winnipeg on Tuesday January 7 at 9:00 am. Dorothy and her twin sister, Evelyn, were born on April 11, 1921 to Rose (Kasprick) and Frank Novak in the Stony Creek District. She fondly remembered her childhood as one of contentment even though times were tough and making a living meant hard work. She often reminisced about the security and the sense of belonging that she and her siblings (“real treasures” as she called them) enjoyed. Life was simple and life was good! At the age of seven, she began her education at Stony Creek School for her early grades and continued at Mountain View School for her later grades. To help support the family, she went out to work at age thirteen, doing housework and taking care of children for the Bray and Minkus families. As a young adult, Dorothy ventured out to BC and to the Yukon where she owned restaurant businesses. It was in Alaska that she met the love of her life, Gerry Berard. Having served in the Canadian army overseas (1939-1945), Gerry joined the U.S. Air Force and it was after his retirement that he and Dorothy married in 1954. During their thirty-four years of marriage, they lived in Minnesota, Seattle and Los Angeles, finally retiring in Brandon in 1985. Dorothy will be remembered for her easy-going personality. She was a private person who valued deep relationships. Her patience, her sense of humour, her warm smile, the teasing glint in her eye and her generosity were evident to all who knew her. An avid reader, she never felt alone. She enjoyed her own company and she enjoyed having company. Her hospitality often included the invitation to dine-out with her at a restaurant. As a member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Women’s’ League, Dorothy helped with many funeral lunches and various parish events; she was acknowledged at St. Augustine’s Church for her ministry to her parish community. During her retirement years, Dorothy treasured the close companionship of her cousin, Doreen (Simon) Harper. Dorothy is survived by: her sister, Beatrice of Neepawa; her brothers Gilbert (Elda) of Peterborough ON, and Jack (Claire) of Windsor ON; her sister-in-law Marie Novak of Maple Ridge BC, her brother-in-law Nick Zomar of Courtenay, BC; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Dorothy was pre-deceased by: her husband Gerry (1988); her brothers Paul (1992), Alec (1998), Edward (2005), and Isaac (2006); her sisters Evelyn Kasprick (1982), Tessie Dyck (2001), Katherine Levandosky (2008), and Eva Zomar (2011). Dorothy was a very dear “AUNT DOROTHY” to all her nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory. Dorothy Rose Berard will always remain in our memories. Her last wish and message for us was “Always love and appreciate one another – be happy together!” May she rest in peace.In lieu of flowers and cards, you may wish to make a donation in her memory to St. Benedict’s Foundation, 225 Masters Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R4A 2A1; St. Augustine’s Catholic Women’s League 327 4th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 3H1; or a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 04, 2014