In loving memory ~
We are sad to announce the passing of Kathleen 'Kathy' Sharon Berkenstock nee Playden. Kathy passed away on January 10th, 2023, at her birth site, Cumberland Lodge after a many-year journey with Alzheimer's disease. She leaves behind her sons Ed (Penny) Berkenstock and Andy (Shelley) Berkenstock; her grandchildren Shelby Berkenstock and Adam (Chloe) Berkenstock; her great-grandchildren Willa and Ruby Berkenstock; as well as her two sisters, Betty Connolly, and Miriam (Barry) Baskin. Kathy will be reunited with her loving husband of 62 years, Bud.
Kathy was born at Cumberland Hospital on March 13th, 1939, to parents Harry and Mavis Playden, who predeceased her. She grew up in Puntledge near Bevan near the No 8 mine where her dad worked. She was the second youngest of 5 kids, Ben, Betty, Mavis, and Miriam. Kathy was predominantly a homemaker, although over the years she did different jobs, including working at the telegraph office and house cleaning.
Kathy married Bud on March 21st, 1958, in front of their witnesses and longtime friends Heini and Joan Von Schilling. They lived on Royston Cumberland Rd. until they settled into their home on Urquhart Ave., where they raised their children and grandchildren.
Kathy was an active community member and spent thousands of hours volunteering with many organizations including her sorority, The Canadian Daughters. As well, you could often find her serving lunch at the Filberg Seniors Centre or at other community events. Over the years she raised significant amounts of money for bursaries to present to students attending North Island College. This program started out specifically to help women who may not otherwise have had an opportunity to achieve their academic goals. In later years, The Canadian Daughters were responsible for maintaining the Native Sons Hall, for their disbanded brother organization. The hall was passed over to the city of Courtenay in 2004.
When she and Bud retired, she continued doing the things she loved. Volunteering, camping, gardening (although she preferred the fruits more than the labour), travelling, and spending time with her family.
We would like to thank the staff at Cumberland Lodge who have gone above and beyond over the last five years to support Kathy's Alzheimer's and end-of-life journey. They have helped our family during an incredibly difficult time. Your attentiveness, kindness, and hard work have not gone unnoticed.
Kathy requested to be cremated. There will not be a service at this time. In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Alzheimer's Society or The Berkenstock Bursary Fund through North Island College would be welcome. For bursary information, please call 250-334-5074 or e-mail foundation@nic.bc.ca
And all the day you'll have good luck
Blackberry, raspberry, gooseberry too
Beans and salmon in jars, never just a few
Peach tree, apple tree, pear tree, and plum
Strawberries and rhubarb to take home to Mum
Stacks of fire wood and cactus plants
Fresh made bread, and neatly pressed pants
If you see a dandelion, pluck off its head
Put laundry on the line for a fresh made bed
A bowl of soup, to do the community good
Little tea sandwiches and shortbread also could
Crocheted doilies, look like beautiful lace
Chain two, then slip stitch, but don't lose your place
Now a dogwood a day keeps the doctor away
But a swim in a lake, is the best way to play
Pussywillows in the spring
Can be such soft and beautiful things
Tiny overalls for a little bear
Sewn with love and patched with care
Tiger lily, sword fern, bleeding heart, and sorrel
Salmon berry, thimble berry, huckleberry, and laurel
You can walk the dog along the path,
Until you find a trestle, then wave, and turn back
Pockets full of treasure
Rocks and seeds in measure
A feather, a pop can, or tadpoles in a bind
Take them home to Dad, surely he won't mind
Camp fire smoke and skin so soft soap
Keep mosquitos away, so we continue to play
A trout cooked just right, a tuck-in so tight
A little white duck, a load up of the truck
But If you see an acorn, pick it up
So all the day you'll have good luck