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Katherine Berls Obituary

Katherine Shumaker Berls, 68, passed away March 24. She will be remembered lovingly by her husband of 45 years, Dick; son, Scott; niece, Katherine as well as countless friends and family. Kathy was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but grew up in San Marino, California, before moving to Lakewood, Colorado, where she lived for 37 years. Her life was devoted to the arts. She was an accomplished oil painter and recipient of numerous awards. She also taught drawing and painting at both the high school and adult level. Additionally, Kathy was a founding member of the Lakewood Arts Council and dedicated much effort towards the organization's success. She leaves behind a legacy of arts programs which continue to thoroughly enrich the community she lived in and enjoyed so much. Kathy was a generous, fun-loving person who enjoyed movies, books and spending time with her friends and family. Donations in her honor may be made to either the Lakewood Arts Council (lakewoodarts council.org) or to the Hospice of St. John (hospiceofsaintjohn.org), a wonderful center which ensured her last days were incredibly peaceful.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Denver Post on Mar. 31, 2013.

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November 3, 2013

I learned a lot about composition from Kathy, when I used to paint with her and others on Mondays at the gallery. I always greatly admired her work, her use of cast shadows, reflections through glass and her paintings of children. Didn't know her well on a personal level, but she was always friendly, a very likable person. I'm so sorry she couldn't stick around longer on this earth, but I do suspect (by the sparkle in her eye and great attitude) that she was a believer in the great savior of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanks, Kathy you had a great impact on many people and the arts community.
Linda Weills Enright, Historian of Mountainside Art Guild

Donna Hopkins

July 14, 2013

So sorry to just hear of Kathy's passing. She was always a friendly and easy going person to chat with at the Lakewood Art Gallery.

Jean Thompson

June 29, 2013

Full of light, full of fun. A very bright spot in our class at SMHS

Saundra Galloway

April 15, 2013

You will be remembered for so many good things! You are missed!

cynthia chatburn

April 8, 2013

Kathy was a beautiful memory from high school

barbara yee

April 2, 2013

my heart aches knowing how much i will miss you, my dear friend, kathy.

Mark Hunter

April 1, 2013

Your smiles and laughter as you dropped of paintings at Max'ims of Greeley with always be a treasure in my heart. The world has lost a wonderful woman, artist and friend. My prayers to her family, we will all look at our Kathy paintings and remember that soft beautiful soul.

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