March 28, 2020
The Family of Mary Nell Berger are saddened with her passing on March 28th 2020. She was 92 years of age.
Born Mary Nell Rapson in 1927, in Medicine Hat Alberta. Mom was raised on a farm, five miles from the nearest community of Winnifred. The oldest of three children, she often recalled getting up early and preparing the horses for the buggy or sleigh ride to school each day.
Upon graduation, she attended Calgary School of Nursing and then worked in High River Alberta. There she met Ken Berger. After a short engagement, they were married in 1953, living in Calgary and then moved to Vancouver where he was involved in the construction industry until they landed back in Winnifred to help her parents on the Rapson farm.
During this time they had four children, Dale, Doug, Margot and Nancy. They moved to Salmon Arm in 1965, where Dad worked in Real Estate and Mom continued her nursing career, first at the hospital and then at the Salmon Arm Medical Clinic until her retirement. As a full time working Mom, she was still able to keep a household together and was proud of raising her family with all of the values she and Dad held dear.
They embraced the Shuswap lifestyle with lake property for a time, a few different boats which we all enjoyed. She learned to enjoy, watching hockey and basketball and took up downhill skiing to keep up with her kids interest.
Following her retirement, Mom became a volunteer and continued this endeavour within a week or two of her passing. She volunteered regular shifts for the Red Cross for many years; and with the Hospital Auxiliary as a greeter, retiring in March of this year.
Mom especially loved babies. Renowned as a baby whisperer, she was thrilled to have experienced holding and rocking 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Mom Was predeceased by Dad, her brother Phil Rapson, daughter in law Carol Berger. She leaves her sister, Margie (Gordon) Blanchard, children, Dale (Lise), Doug (Barbara), Margot (Bill) Hagardt and Nancy (Les) Gilburg. Grandchildren; Cale (Tara) Tory (Mike), Calvin (Danielle), Alexandra (Sandy), Elizabeth (Evan), Gillian (David), Devin (Elyse), Jennelle (Jordan), Brianne, Andy, Laura (Daniel) and fourteen great grandchildren.
Due to the current situation a celebration of her life will be postponed until a more appropriate later date.
Online condolences may be sent to Mary's family through her obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Bowers Funeral Service