I stumbled upon Janice Bertram's obituary when I was thinking about some of the teachers who influenced me. Miss Bertram was my Math 30 teacher at Western Canada High School. over thrity years ago. She was the best math teacher I ever had. I don't know how I ended up in her class but I'm grateful I did. She had a way of making difficult concepts easy to understand and was generous with her time and willing to go over things again and again.. Miss Bertam was only about a decade older than her students at the time but she didn't take any nonsense. Miss Bertam's teaching gave me confience that I could learn math and do well in math class. I still remember her surprise when she told me that I had the best diploma exam mark in the class. I wasn't surprised because I had such a good teacher! I can still see her standing in front of the class with her curled bangs and red lipstick. She was a force! My condolences to her family..

Ms Betram taught me Math 20 at Western Canada High school and she was one of the best teachers I have ever had. I will never forget the 'trick' she taught me on how to solve more complex polynomials, it was the basis for the higher level math I'd take at McGill University later on and it was a key concept, I, myself, later taught to over 2000 students as I followed in the footsteps of Ms Betram and passed her knowledge to other students all around the world.

She was gorgeous, strong, confident, kind and highly intelligent.

Janice Bertram, I will remember you for the rest of my life, one of the best teachers I have ever had the privilege to meet and learn from. Thank you so much.

xxSerena

I was a student of Ms. Bertram during her time as an IB math teacher at Western Canada High School. She made a strong impression on me by the gentle way she approached her students. However, don’t be fooled as her math quizzes were challenging for the best of them. You are well remembered.

My deepest condolences, especially to Karen and Joe,

I just heard of Janice’s passing.

Janice was considered part of our family growing up as she tutored my older brothers and me for a span of almost a decade. Janice was not only a math tutor but also an amazing mentor….

While In High School at Western, I was bullied. Janice (Ms. Bertram) was privy to this and unlike all the other teachers on faculty whom turned a blind eye to the obvious harassment, Janice was undaunted and stood up to the bullies “head on”.

I remember Janice saying to a bullying classmate “Hey Ryan, if your mom can teach you better, stay home. Tyler is here to learn and I can assure you he has 2 brothers much bigger and stronger than you whom pick him up a 4 clock”

Janice’s talent, passion and commitment to her students will be missed. I can only hope her legacy will be embraced from former colleagues whom are committed to teach with such integrity.

Everyone is asked in their life “Which Teacher will you remember most in life” Without question, Ms Bertram.

I knew Miss Bertram when I was a student at Centennial High, she was such a joy to be around and lit up every room she entered. She was ridiculously good at math, it literally amazed me. She will be dearly missed.

Although I only had Ms Bertram for one year she made a lasting impression on me that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. Not only did I look forward to her class but she inspired me to expand my knowledge further in math. She was extremely caring and a wonderful teacher. She always went out of her way to make sure that we understood the concepts. She was my teacher and a friend and I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing. I wish I could have been in town to attend the celebration of her life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ms Bertram’s family and loved ones.

My condolences in the loss of Janice. Janice and I taught together at Western and I well remember her tremendous energy and enthusism. May you have many happy memories to help support you at this very difficult time.

(Ms.)Lee Hunt

I was lucky to have Ms. Betram as a teacher when I was studying at WCHS. I remember her as a kind and cheerful teacher, who was passionate about math. She was able to help me learn and for that I’ll always be grateful. My condolences. Rest in peace Ms. Betram

Wow. All these years have passed and it seemed like yesterday we were all in school together, never thinking of the sadness that takes any of us, at any time during our already short lives..my deepest condolences to your family and friends..Memories are like leaves of gold, they never tarnish or grow old..

Both of our daughters were students of Janice during her years at Western Canada. She shared her enthusiasm and joy for education. Our girls will carry this passion for learning for the rest of their lives. We will all miss her spirit.

Our children, Arman & Arissa, are both students at Strathcona Tweedsmuir and benefited greatly from the Ms. Bertram’s passion for teaching mathematics. Our condolences go out to the family and close friends of Ms. J. Bertram during this difficult time.

Karen & Family,

I was so saddened to read of Janice’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her whenever I would meet her.

I think of your family often.

Nancy Lomas

Dave and Karen, was shocked to see Janice’s picture. We were very good friends in high school, just didn’t stay in touch. I am so sorry we’ve lost your sister.

To Janice’s family: I have a heavy heart for your loss. Janice was a wonderful friend and buddy and has given me many happy memories. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Dear Karen and family

I just came home and was reading the newspaper when I saw Janice’s photo, I was so shocked, I had no idea she was so ill. My deepest condolences and love to you, your husband and Jarod. I can only imagine the loss you feel of such a wonderful sister Karen, may her memories help you in your sorrow and healing. She was a lovely lady with a beautiful smile and wonderful attitude. Karen as I was reading her obituary I was so disapointed to learn the funeral was today, I would have been there to pay my respects and at least give you a hug. I love you Karen, when you feel like going for coffe or whatever please call me. Once again I am so saddened by your loss and all you have gone through the last few years.

Love

Frances

My husband and I both had the pleasure of having Ms. Bertram as our IB math teacher many years ago at Western Canada High School, and she was also my debate coach throughout my highschool years. She was always such a joyful spirit (even when you didn’t have your homework done!), we are better for having had her in our lives.

Our condolences for your loss.

To the family and close friends of Janice Bertram we wish to express our sincere condolences.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

To Karen, Greg, Jerod, David and all other family and friends,

Janice was very friendly, kind, and a great friend and neighbor. She had an amazing sense of humor. She will be missed greatly.

Condolences to all her family and friends.

We are very sad that Janice Bertram passed away, and so soon after finishing up teaching class. It was a real shock. Ms. Bertram was a great Math teacher and a really nice person. She never let her illness get in the way of classes. Janice truly showed incredible courage to carry on teaching right up to the very end. We are grateful to her for preparing Alex so well for the upcoming IB exams.

Our sympathy goes out to her friends, family and colleagues. We very much appreciate her dedication to teaching excellence.

My daughter was a student at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir. She asked me why the good die young and I have no answer. We are so sorry for your loss and the loss of all the students and parents who will not be able to experience such a professional, caring and wonderful math teacher. We certainly were lucky to have known her.

Our condolences on your great loss.

Dear Karen and Janice’s family,

How sorry I was to read Janice’s obituary in today’s Herald.

What a joy she was to teach, and I have many happy memories of teaching both of you the organ through your younger years and into tour teens.

Please know that my heart and thoughts are with you through these very difficult days.

We will all remember well her smiles, companionship, conversations and her life.

God Bless,

Peggy Charuk.

It has been 17 years since Miss Bertram taught me high school math and she still ranks as one of my favorite teachers of all time. She was a wonderful teacher and a beautiful person and my life is better for having had her in it.

I was a recent student of Ms. Bertram. She was an incredible teacher, and challenged me to become a better mathematician, and better person. She had faith in my abilities, but never let me settle. It’s because of Ms. Bertram that I’m graduating this year with a Bachelor of Science in Honors Mathematics. If it wasn’t for her, I would have never picked up a love for this subject, greater confidence in myself, or the desire to always do better. I only wish she knew how big of an impact she had on me.

I was a student at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School and had Ms. Bertram as a math teacher in Grade 11. I remember she made math so easy and understandable because she loved it so much, you couldn’t help but love it too. Her energy inside and outside the classroom was infectious and I will miss her.

I’m sorry for your loss, and I know Calgary lost a very special, dedicated teacher in Ms. Bertram.

Kate

Your battle was a courageous one which was admired by all who knew you.

I will miss your gentle calm and kind heart.

To the family members and closest friends of Ms. Bertram,

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Ms. Bertram. Our son holds her in the highest regard, and she was truly a great source of inspiration for all those around her. Our sincere prayers and sympathies will always be with you. May God give you strength and power to overcome this loss.

Jayasree and Chandran

Although I was only taught by Ms.Bertram in my final year of high school she has made a lasting impression on me which I will remember and cherish forever. She was an extremely caring and friendly woman. We shared a love of pink, hearts and tiffanies! She always went out of her way to make sure her students deserved the help they needed.

My sincere condolences go out to Ms.Bertram’s family and friends.

Ms. Bertram was one of the best teachers I had through high school. Though tough in mathematics and renowned for the toughness of her tests, she really prepared students to focus hard on their learning. I appreciated all the time Ms. Bertram put in to helping me in a course that she helped me love. Her warm and fun personality will be missed by many. Her spirit and love of her students will forever be a monument to her memory.

I was a student at STS and was lucky to have Ms. Bertram as a math teacher. The passion that she had for the subject was inspirational. I will never forget her kind and caring soul. She will be missed!

Dear Janice,

My life is all the richer for having known you. It was a pleasure working with you.

Pat