Obituary of Beryl Anne Kuczerpa (nee Blair)

October 2nd, 1934 - December 12th, 2021

 

My kid sister and I stand together to rejoice in the legacy of the quiet, remarkable life of that gentle, enduring force of nature that was our sweet, funny little Mom, Beryl.

 

Beryl and her twin sister Marilyn Ruth were born in the old St. Eugene hospital in Cranbrook, B.C., and were raised in Kimberley until they were twelve years of age, at which time the family moved to East Vancouver. The girls loved city life and during her late teens Beryl worked as a clothed model for the Vancouver School of Fine Arts.

 

Early one evening her dad insisted that Beryl, the bookworm, get her nose out of her book, get dressed up, and get down to the local dance. So, she did. While at the dance she caught Russel's eye and they soon began square dancing together and enjoying long rides on Dad's Harley (without helmets of course). They were married on December 28^th, 1956 (The best possible time of year for the largest tax break). Kathryn was born ten months later, followed by Janet roughly three years after that. Soon after the kids arrived Mom and Dad moved to Surrey.

 

While Mom was often gloriously socially awkward, she shone in the worst of life's situations. where with her enduring love and support she could make a difference in the life of a suffering soul. Boring cocktail parties aside, our rare and wonderful mother was not afraid to tread society's rockier ground to rescue another. Mom was an old spirit, who came to earth to embrace anyone in need, with humanity, and empathy. Steadfast and loyal to her family and close friends, she sought to understand and aid those suffering from mental illness, addictions, the socially and culturally, disenfranchised, or those who were simply lost. She adored any animal, and any child, including even the most annoying two-year-old shrieking it's head off in a classic shopping mall tantrum. Mom was completely mystified by the dedication other women had for cooking and cleaning, preferring instead, to offer brilliant and eloquent analysis on any current social or economic issue. Perhaps her only conceit was that she managed to build a home without ever having had a mortgage.

 

Mom celebrated each day of her life with joy, wonder and gratitude and found immeasurable bliss in the smallest of good things.

Her indomitable spirit radiated positivity in all she did, and she found the good in everyone and everything.

 

Those wishing to honour her may; spend time with a soul in spiritual or emotional crisis; provide aid to a homeless person and offer a loving home to an animal in need. Go forward finding beauty in your day and show gratitude for your daily blessings no matter how small they may seem.

 

There will be no formal service for Beryl as the family will host her "going away party", next summer.

 

Many thanks to Dr. Dustan Post for his kind compassion care, and to Leslie, Candace, Lori-Lee, Rosina, and Sam for their excellent loving care of our little Beryl.

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com