Barbara Anne (Bergermann) Saretsky

In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 23, 2017 Barbara Anne (nee Bergermann) Saretsky 80 years of Humboldt passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in the tranquility of a country setting.  Barbara was born on December 17, 1936 to John and Clara (nee Draude) Bergermann at Muenster Sask., the oldest of 12 children. Barbara obtained all of her education in Muenster except for Grade 12, which she received while attending the Ursuline Academy in Bruno. Upon completion of her Grade 12, she entered the St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in June of 1959. Even as a young girl Barbara always knew she wanted to be a nurse, and although she worked in several different departments, the maternity ward was her favourite. She helped deliver many of the babies in the surrounding communities and in future years, often informed her children’s friends and acquaintances that she had taken care of them in the nursery.  On October 26, 1959 she married Emil Saretsky from the Burr area. This union was blessed with 7 children. Her life was full, working outside of the home and raising the children, along with all the domestic duties that went with it. In 1980 Barbara started employment at St Mary’s Villa, she was a caring, compassionate nurse and enjoyed working with the elderly, she often remarked however that it helped to have a good sense of humour. In 2000, after 20 years at St Mary’s Villa, at the age of 64, she retired from nursing. Barbara and Emil worked together on the farm. She loved gardening and all aspects of yard work, preferring to spend her time outdoors if she could. She enjoyed hosting many gatherings, especially when the yard and flowers were at their best.  Her other passion was sewing. Barbara spent many countless hours sewing for her family. Some items included wedding dresses for various daughters, and complete sets of bridesmaid dresses. She also enjoyed quilting and many different crafts. The countless hours of sewing were made possible because of her husband Emil’s contribution in the kitchen. He would make meals on occasion so she could make her sewing deadlines. She often told him how much she appreciated that. Music was also a huge part of Barbara’s life. She enjoyed playing the piano and spent time singing with St Peter’s Chorus for a few years. Barbara and Emil both encouraged their children to sing from a very young age    and many happy family memories are centered around this pastime. Barbara was also the choir director at St Scholastica Parish for many years. In 2010, Barbara and Emil moved to Humboldt, shortly after that move, Emil passed away. Emil had always told his children that “your Mom was the best nurse ever”, and that when he would fall ill, she always took very good care of him. In the spring of 2011, Barbara moved to Park View Condos. She often remarked how much she enjoyed her neighbours there, and of course, the sunny deck where she could grow more flowers. Barbara was a spiritual woman, but her faith and her strength were tested in 2007, when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Barbara fought that battle tenaciously and won. She maintained a positive attitude throughout her illness and was an example of perseverance and faith for all of those around her. She credited her recovery to her excellent surgeon, the health care team that took care of her, which included naturopathic medicine, and the prayers of many people throughout    the province. She enjoyed 9 more years of independent living until her health began to fail. In the past few months, it was amazing to note that it didn’t matter how weak she was, when she had company, her energy level would escalate, she enjoyed all of her visitors so much. Barbara was proud of her family and their accomplishments, and supported every event she was able to. As the number of her descendents grew greatly, she continued to remember birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. She told her children and grandchildren numerous times that they were her greatest treasure, and how thankful she was for them and everything they had done for her. Barbara’s loving, caring and compassionate personality will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her 7 children, 31 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. MARIE (Terry) Rath and family Suzanne (Carl) Lueke and children Aidan, Bronwyn, Madelyn and Brogan, Terri (Maury) Simoneau and children Toryn, Karver, Salix and Locke, Cynthia (Jamie) Ficko and children Vosko, Aunika and Bexley all of Humboldt, Jillian (Jason) Trudel of Candle Lake and children Tucker and Rahkiya, Robin (Riley) Sheldon of Saskatoon; JOAN (Ray) Martin and family Matthew (Fallon) Martin and daughter Madison, Jessica (Lee) Stewart and children Josie and Samson, Vanessa (Jade) Amy and son Reece, Maria Martin all of Pense, Raye-Leigh (Neil) Koss of Winnipeg, MB and children Ashlyn and Falon, Genevieve (Kris) Holmberg of Pense and children Nikolas, Taylor-Raye, Brayden and Olivia; JACQUELINE Saretsky and son Luke Saretsky fiancé (Gina McGratten) all of Saskatoon; ALEXANDER (Juanita) Saretsky and family Jared Saretsky fiancé (Tianna Voldeng), Alyssa (Dylan) Senko and son Beaux and Kaitlyn Saretsky fiancé (Zachary Biehn) all of Burr; EMILY (Lawrence) Hill of Carmel and family Jesse Hill of Saskatoon, Jenna Hill, Angelica Hill, Joan Hill and Kerry Hill all of Carmel; TIMOTHY (Maureen) Saretsky of Burr and family Margaret (Daniel) Rizzo and children Stephanie, Sean and Sebastian, Daniel (Julianne) Harold and children Adrianna, Lelouch and   Persephone all of California, USA, Kenneth (Andrea Ball) Harold of Idaho, USA and children Ava and Malachi, Thomas Saretsky of Middle Lake, Patrick Harold, Elizabeth Saretsky, Monica Saretsky and Brigid Saretsky all of Burr; KATHRYN (Daniel) Duffley of Burr and family Anna Duffley, Liam Duffley, Kirk Duffley and Shae Duffley; 4 sisters and six brothers: Rita (Don) Nakoneshny of Saskatoon, Marie Baumung of Langley, BC, Margaret Rose Uzelman of Port Alberni, BC, Jordan (Donna Lee) Bergermann, Eugene (Mary) Bergermann, Jim (Dawn) Bergermann, Bob (Donna) Bergermann all of Muenster, Jenny Pratchler, of Humboldt, Dan (Maureen) Bergermann of Muenster and Dale (Carol) Bergermann of Humboldt; numerous nieces, nephews and members of the Saretsky family. Barbara was predeceased by her parents John and Clara Bergermann; husband Emil Saretsky; granddaughter Rebecca Duffley; sister Verda (Ernie) Smood; brothers-in-law Leroy Baumung, Elmer Uzelman and George Pratchler. A Prayer Service was held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. St. Scholastica R.C. Parish, Burr, SK.  A Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Augustine R.C. Church Humboldt.  Celebrated by, Fr. Joseph Salihu.  Interment followed at St. Scholastica R.C. Cemetery, Burr.  Memorial donations maybe directed in Barbara’s memory to Sask. Pro Life Association or St. Scholastica Cemetery Fund. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to MALINOSKI & DANYLUIK FUNERAL HOME Humboldt 306-682-1622.

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