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DARLENE BERRINGER
Date of Passing: Jan 25, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDARLENE BERRINGER 1948 - 2017 After a lengthy illness, passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC on January 25, 2017. Darlene was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She moved to Montreal in the early 1970s where she lived and worked until her retirement in 2011. Darlene will be best remembered as a gifted educator. As a young innovative music therapist, Darlene founded The Canadian Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development, more commonly known as Giant Steps, a school for children with Autism, Asperger's and other neuro-integrative disorders. The program was so successful in Montreal that satellite schools were opened in several other Canadian, American, and Australian cities. Darlene was recognized for her work nationally and internationally and was the recipient of many awards including the Canadian Hilroy Fellowship in 1984, the Governor-General's Award in 1992 as well as being honoured at the Autism Awareness Gala in 2011. However the real reward for Darlene was the progress of each of her "kids" to reach their full potential. After she left Giant Steps, Darlene kept in touch with many of her students and turned her energies towards helping high functioning young adults with Autism find employment. Darlene was predeceased by her mother Edith Berringer in 1984 and her father Philip Berringer in 2003. She will be sadly missed by her three siblings Carol Lyons (Larry), Keith Berringer (Margie), and Michelle Galaugher, her nieces and nephews Courtney Simcoff (Micah), Jason Hiebert (Katie), Nigel Berringer, Rayna Hiebert (Kris) and their children whom she adored. The family would like to thank Dr. David Attwell, Dr. Sylvie Arquarch, social worker Anne Bowd, the wonderful caregivers at Sandringham Care Centre, and the compassionate staff at the Kiwanis Pavilion. Words cannot express how appreciative the family is for the kindness, loving care, and support given to Darlene throughout her illness. We would also like to thank Darlene's good friend Ni for going above and beyond during their friendship. A memorial service for immediate family is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to make a donation to Giant Steps or to the Alzheimer Society.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2017
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I was lying here tonight and I can't explain why Darlene came to my mined and heart. I decided to goggle her name. After about o half hour I almost gave up and then out of nowhere it popped up obituary. I was stunned. She's gone? Then I click on this site, and there she was. That smiling face of hers. She was such an awesome person. She helped my son and I in a very special way. Our children were her children. She will alway be remembered fondly in our hearts. Gone but never forgotten. To her family you have our heart felt smpathy. The Mingo Family - Posted by: Deborah Mingo (Parent of a child with autism. She touched my life in a Giant way.) on: Mar 11, 2017
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Reading the obituaries in today’s paper and I see the name Darlene Berringer accompanied by a photo. To say I was shocked and saddened would be an understatement. I am devastated by her passing. Just seeing her face and that beautiful and memorable smile brings back so many memories of years gone by. Living in Elmwood Darlene and I were good friends back in the sixties, memories which seems like yesterday but were obviously long ago. I had only seen her several times over the years and once she moved to Montreal we lost contact. I did manage to visit with her at the time of her fathers passing in 2003 and hoped we could meet again but it was not to be. I have never forgotten her and the memories of our time together when we were so much younger. She occupied a piece of my heart and always will. I missed you Darlene over the years and thought about you often. I will always miss you and you will be in my thoughts until my passing. Your departure shows how fragile life is and how fast it passes by. I hope you are at peace and I truly hope we will meet again someday. Lovingly remembered. Ron Campbell - Posted by: Ron Campbell (Friend ) on: Feb 11, 2017