Berg: Julianne Valeria, July 14, 1926 – March 13, 2019
Julia was born July 14, 1926, to Catherine and Ignace Oszust of Esther. She died March 13, 2019, at the Oyen Auxiliary Hospital.
Her education took place at Rush Center School. Julia’s teacher took quite a liking to her, even allowing Julia to sit on her lap at lunchtime. A special memory mom had was when she received a toy phone and doll as a gift from her teacher, that she used in a Christmas Concert in Grade 2.
Growing up on the family homestead, Julia was more interested in the domestic duties that made the large household run smoothly. She wasn’t that fond of the animals but willing to help out when necessary.
Julia lived in several places after leaving the family farm – Lloydminster, Loverna, and Oyen. Her responsibilities in these towns were housekeeping, cooking and gardening. Later she worked at the Big Country Hospital in housekeeping and dietary. At this time Julia took the initiative to work night shifts as a nurse without any formal training. She was proud of the fact that patients commented she was a great nurse. Later on, she went back to work at the Big Country Hospital in the laundry room from 1982 to 1989.
She married the love of her life, Gordon Berg in 1948 and together they raised four children. Camping was a favourite family pastime. As the family grew, on special holidays Mom and Dad’s house was filled to capacity, and mom loved that very much.
Her interests were her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, preserving her harvest by canning, pickling and making jams and jellies. Mom spent a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking and always baking something. When the children were young, Julia would sew many clothes for them as well as knitting for them and the grandkids who followed. She loved and enjoyed being involved with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren so much that we all have many fond memories of our time spent together.
Julia moved to the Oyen Lodge where she could get the care she needed. She made many friends and spent many hours playing cards and visiting. Now she had more time to watch television, especially game shows and curling. Her next move was to the Big Country Hospital until a room became available in the Auxiliary. She thoroughly enjoyed all the visits from family, friends, and special companions.
Mom was a devoted Catholic. Her faith and the church were very important to her. She would help out in any way she could, from cleaning in the church, doing yard work, and baking for the priests.
Julia was predeceased by her parents; husband Gordon; daughter Eileen; and 11 brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her family: son-in-law Kevin (Linda), Eileen and Kevin’s children, Curtis (Christy), {Ethan, Tyson}, Christie (Tim), {Erin and Jayce, Morgan and Shawn, and Chase}, Mathew (Michelle) {Carson, Eden, Matyson}; Brenda, Craig, Jason (Shelley) {Jonah, Lucas}, and Stacey; Dennis (Shelley); Cheryl (Warren), {Riley and Kristy} and {Karissa and Austin}.
Prayer Vigil Service was held March 27, and Mass of Christian Burial was held March 28, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oyen. Officiating Clergy was Fr. Newton Rodrigues. Gerry Getz was the organist and soloist. A tribute was given by Susan Gillespie-Meise. Gift bearers were Julia’s granddaughters and Readers were Bonnie Burke and Shelley Berg. Pallbearers were Julia’s grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers were Julia’s family, her companions, the staff of the Oyen Lodge, Big Country Hospital and the Oyen Auxiliary Hospital as well as her many friends who cared and shared in her life.
Memorial tributes may be directed to the Sacred Heart Church Building Fund, Box 629, Oyen, AB, T0J 2J0; Oyen & District Health Care Foundation, Box 150, Oyen, AB, T0J 2J0; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Following the burial at the Oyen Cemetery, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Sacred Heart Parish Ladies at the Assumption School.
MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.