BERTHA WIRCH (KEFFER)

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BERTHA WIRCH (nee KEFFER) Peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2003 at the Stonewall Hospital, Bertha Wirch, aged 92 years, passed away. Bertha came from Warsaw, Poland and settled in Saskatchewan. She married Paul Kardash who originally came from the Western Ukraine. Their first home was in Young, SK, in 1931 daughter Rose was born. They later moved to Watrous and in 1936 son Joe was born. They again moved to Yorkton where daughter Gladys arrived in 1938. They later moved and farmed in Elkhorn, MB and they finally settled in Brandon in 1945. Their first home was in the north end of Brandon which was mainly Polish/Ukrainian families. Paul, an avid carpenter, built their final home on the north hill. Bertha was hardworking and loved to garden and cook. She was famous for her family gatherings where perogies and cabbage rolls were in abundance. While Paul was building up Anchorage, Alaska, Bertha started working at a sewing factory and packing plant to fill her spare time. Pauls death in 1979 left a great void in Berthas life. In 1987, while on a trip to the Maritimes touring with other seniors, Bertha met Reinhold Wirch. Bertha enjoyed the company and they married in 1988 and settled in Warren. Bertha and Reinhold travelled several places in their years together. Rons passing in November 2001 was a great loss and again meant changes for Bertha who later settled at Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall. Berthas gentle nature and warm smile will be greatly missed by family and friends. Bertha is survived by daughter Rose (Barney) daughter-in-law Lil Kardash; stepson Marvin (Celia) step-daughters, Betty (Steve), Cheryl (Morton) grandchildren, Linda (Keith), Brenda, Garry (Dawn), Shelly (Gary), Norman (Julie), Todd, Dawn (John) nine step-grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents, Bert and Sophie Keffer; first husband Paul Kardash; daughter Gladys Nicholson; son Joe Kardash; second husband Reinhold Wirch. The family would like to thank the staff of Rosewood Lodge and the Stonewall Hospital. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 6 at 2:30 p.m. at the New Life Baptist Church, Stonewall, Dr. Henry Ozirney will officiate with interment to follow at the Stonewall Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to a charity of ones choice. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2003