Obituary of Karen Eve Berg

March 8, 1966 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

May 29, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Karen Eve Berg (born March 8, 1966) beloved mother of Kane and Georgina of Calgary, suddenly and with family near, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023, at the age of 57 years.

Besides her loving children, Karen is survived by her sister Marie Wong (Victor), brother Phil Berg (Tara, and their children William (Tianna), Sophie, and Lynaia), sister Kathy Popoff (Greg), sister Edie Berg (and her children Tabitha, Hanna and Aidan), and brother Andrew Berg (Lori, and their children AJ and Alec). She was predeceased by her parents George and Louise Berg.

Karen was a much-loved mom to kids and dog, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, friend, colleague, volunteer, and neighbour. Karen gave her absolute best and fullest to everything she did, from raising two amazing young people whom she was so incredibly proud of, to continuing to learn and educate herself, such as recently completing University of Calgary professional certificates.

She was someone who never stopped looking for ways to give her time and support, no matter who, and no matter how big or small.  Beyond being a go-to person to talk to, she always made efforts to reach out, reconnect, and retain friendships, helping each one of us recognize our own special significance. Karen provided us with positivity, radiant energy, and a glowing smile every day in everything she did. Even through hardships and the daily stressors of life, Karen continued to remember small details about everyone’s life that they may have forgotten. She went out of her way to brighten the days of people she never met, by leaving beautifully painted rocks in public parks that were elegant and contained positive affirmations. Her compassion and selflessness were a constant, providing hope and life to many.

Her death, which came way too soon and unexpectedly, has devastated us all. She will live on in our hearts and in the lives of people who have received her organs, one last sign of Karen’s giving.

The family gratefully declines flowers. Instead, in memory of our beloved Karen, we ask you if you are compelled, to donate your time to an organization that helps others. Whether it be passing on things you no longer need or refraining from an impulsive purchase or make a financial donation (no amount is too small), Karen would be proud to see kindness and selflessness spread. Some notable charities that were important to Karen are Women In Need Society and Elder Dog, but every charity will benefit from your thoughtfulness. Another way to honour Karen’s memory is any time you see someone who needs a hug or a helping hand, reach out and do what you can, with no expectation of anything in return; it’s what Karen always did.

On behalf of Karen, we also want to ask, with consideration of your beliefs, to consider registering as an organ and tissue donor with Alberta Health Services. Registering takes 5 minutes, and the potential to help others is astronomical. We are incredibly proud of Karen for her dedication and sacrifice to helping others. If you are or plan to be registered, please ensure your family know your wishes.

Lastly, keep a lookout for hearts in random places. They will be reminders of Karen and her love.

A come-and-go Celebration of Life will be held in the Panorama Room of the Edgemont Community Association Hall (33 Edgevalley Circle NW, Calgary) from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023. A private family burial at Queen’s Park Cemetery will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Karen Berg, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.