Obituary of Bertha Koppang

Koppang- Bertha Jean Koppang, late of Shellbrook, SK. passed away in her home on May 12, 2009 at the age of 79 years. Bertha leaves to mourn her passing; her loving husband, Elwood Koppang of Shellbrook, SK., daughter; Brenda Harrison of Belize, West Caribeaan, Grand daughters; Cari-Ann (Gerald) Stefanyshyn of Prince Albert, SK., Jolene Person of Calgary, AB., two great grandsons; Jake and Eric Stefanyshyn of Prince Albert, SK., sisters; Iris Downey of York, ON., Edna Berry of Los Angeles, CA., Viola Howe of Washington, DC, Lorna Measure of Trail, BC., a brother; Delbert (Benita) Hamilton of Shellbrook, SK., a sister-in-law; Audrey (George) Clunie of Oregon, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Bertha was predeceased by; her sons, Robin and Mark Koppang, her son-in-law, Leslie Person, her parents; Robert and Irene Hamilton, her brother; Lindsay Hamilton, her sister; Cora (Len) Kaiser, her brothers-in-law; Paul (Melrose) Koppang, Kenneth Koppang, Wallace (Irene) Koppang, Ken Downey, Pat Berry, Charles Howe and Frank Measure. Bertha was born on the family farm just outside of Shellbrook, SK. on October 1, 1929. She was the youngest daughter of Irene (Sterling) and Robert Hamilton. She attended Pleasantville public school and took her high school in Shellbrook, SK., Bertha started working for Malcolm Dingwall in the Bakery in the summer of 1947. She married Elwood Koppang on December 1, 1947 and started a family. They had three children. Robin was born 1948 but passed away in 1958, Brenda was born 1950 and Mark was born 1956 and passed away in 1973. Bertha worked in the Shellbrook Clinic for 26 years and retired in 1995. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. For the past 18 years Bertha lovingly spent countless hours volunteering her time and helping look after Elwood in the Nursing Home. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The Graveside service took place in the Shellbrook Cemetery on Friday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. with Roland Legge as officiant. The Urn bearers were Bertha's Great Grandsons, Jake and Eric. The luncheon followed in the Shellbrook Seniors Hall. In lieu of other tributes Memorial donations may be made to the Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Project.