RUSNAK, Berna CarolynMarch 3, 1951 – Saskatoon, SKDecember 12, 2016 – Calgary, AB Berna Rusnak passed away on December 12, 2016 at the Rockyview General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Berna was born on March 3, 1951 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Ruth and Nick Rusnak. Berna, the youngest of three children, was raised on the family farm near Arlee, Saskatchewan. She attended Dreyer School for Grades 1 and 2, and completed Grades 3 to 12 in Perdue, Saskatchewan. While completing her studies Berna took piano lessons in Perdue and Saskatoon, and was a member of Explorers and CGIT. Growing up on the farm she helped out with all the chores, such as seeding, harvesting, gathering eggs, gardening, canning vegetables and picking Saskatoon berries. There were many fun times with family and friends at summer picnics, sports days, family weddings and holiday celebrations. After finishing high school Berna completed a BA degree in History at the University of Saskatchewan and then obtained a Teaching Certificate. She taught for one year, returned to the U of S for a B Ed degree, and then taught for two years at Wynyard followed by two years at Denzil, Saskatchewan. Berna moved to Calgary in 1979, joining Imperial Oil as a Training Coordinator, a position she held for 14 years. Following a stint with a Job Counseling firm, she joined Pier 1 in 1999 at their Signal Hill store, where she worked as a Sales Associate until her illness. Berna had many hobbies, including travelling, golfing, playing bridge, crocheting, cooking and gardening. She was an excellent cook, carrying on the family traditions of both Ukrainian and Swedish dishes. She was the absolute best Perogy and Kroppkakor maker, and was always delighted to pass on her skills to the younger generation. She enjoyed golfing, especially at the Valley Ridge and Shaganappi courses. Berna was an avid traveler and made several trips to Europe, visiting Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and France. She very much enjoyed family get- togethers in Hawaii and Kelowna over the years. Berna was a wonderful, caring and kind person, and a true friend to many. She was predeceased by her parents, Nick and Ruth Rusnak. Berna will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Conrad H. and Carole Rusnak of Victoria; her sister and brother-in- law, Charlotte and Doug Annable of Calgary; and her nieces and nephews Twyla Rusnak (Illarion Gallant), Dr. Conrad N. Rusnak (Cynthia), Christopher Rusnak (Jocelyn), Tamara Rusnak (Paul Koopman), Carolyn Mychaluk (Keith) and Christa Brask (Justin); as well as her grandnieces and grandnephews, Max Gallant, Julia Gallant, Nicholas Rusnak, Brooke Rusnak, Evelyn Rusnak, Kathleen Rusnak, Jade Mychaluk, Carson Mychaluk, Lucille Brask, Davis Brask and Nora Brask. Berna was affectionately known as Auntie "B" by all of her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and she always responded by saying "Auntie B, that's me"! She meant the world to all of them. Berna will also be greatly missed by her extended family and all of her friends. A Celebration of Berna's life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to United Way of Calgary and Area, #600, 1202 Centre Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 5A5 Telephone: (403) 231-6265. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Special thanks to all of the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and all of the staff in Emergency and Unit 93 at the Rockyview General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. In living memory of Berna Rusnak, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.