Mary Anne Bernt (nee Cooper), 74, passed away in Kamloops on September 3, 2020 after a long struggle with dementia, lung cancer and other related illnesses. Mary was born in Kamloops, BC on November 24, 1946 to parents Henry and Elizabeth Cooper (Dunlop).
Mary’s happiest moment was when she met the love of her life Ron Bernt. Their first date was on Friday, February 13th, an unlucky day for some but not them. They were married shortly after on July 10th, 1970. Their circle of love was completed with the arrival of their two daughters, Wendy and Jennifer Bernt.
Mary loved children. Once her own daughters were school aged, she rejoined the work force as a child care worker for the Kitimat Child Development Centre and she retired as a supervisor with that agency. Mary worked with children of all abilities and was greatly fulfilled by her work. The children and families she worked with benefited from her kind and loving nature and her dedication.
Mary was known for taking care of people. She sent her daughters care packages at school (and well into their adult years in Wendy’s case), took homemade soup to friends/family who were sick and had friends over for coffee to lend them a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen.
Mary also loved gardening which she passed along to her youngest daughter Jennifer. Friends and family brought her dying plants and she coaxed them back to life. She took barren yards/landscapes and turned them into things of beauty.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Ron but is survived by her daughters Wendy and Jennifer, her brother Tom Cooper (and wife Betty), her brother in law and sisters in law from the Bernt side of the family, her beloved beagle Macy, plus nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many, many friends all of whom are better for having known Mary.
Due to COVID19, the Celebration of Life for Mary is postponed until 2021, in hopes that more people will be able to safely travel and meet to celebrate this amazing woman. An announcement about the timing and location will be made closer to the Celebration of Life.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in Mary’s name to the Kitimat Child Development Centre.
6 Tributes
So very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I loved bumping into her when she out walking with Macy. She was always a very uplifting person. Always had the big smile. Rest in Peace Mary…and big hugs and love to Ron and Huntly from the Shanko’s. Our sincere condolences to her family.
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I often think of her with fond memories of working together at the CDC. I think of her help with my garden – sharing plants, advice and admiration of the garden. Her passion for our CDC work and those we served was always an inspiration.
Deepest condolences on your loss….Mary and Ron were special people.Loved to meet them in Super Valu and watch your Dad roll his eyes…
Sending my deepest condolences to Wendy and Jennifer. I worked with Mary at the CDC for many years until her retirement. She was a great co-worker and friend. The world is a little less bright without her.
My deepest condolences to Mary’s family. I worked with Mary at the Kitimat Child Development for 14 years. During this time I saw how much joy Mary got from her job working with children and families. She was truly dedicated in all she did. I wish I had known she and Ron had retired in Kamloops. It would have been nice to have kept in touch. Rest In Peace Mary…it is your time.
I am so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We spent many hours together in Kitimat and had re-kindled our relationship in Kamloops in retirement. Mary and I worked together at the CDC and my husband Walter worked with Ron at the City. Hence, we had a lot in common. Mary was a wonderful friend and colleague and could problem solve just about any obstacle life threw in her direction. She had incredible patience and firmly believed that everyone had the ability to accomplish their life’s goals with support and hard work. Many young lives and families are better today because of her nurturing and care. No doubt she will be missed by many, but especially by Wendy and Jennifer.