Michelle KATH Obituary
Michelle passed away suddenly in Calgary, AB on Tuesday, December 25, 2012. Michelle is sadly missed by loving husband Mark Bertie and his son Jordan; her parents Tulma and Eric Kath; brother Vince (Janet) Kath as well as nieces Danielle, Erica and Evelyn. Michelle graduated from the U of C with a Bachelor of Education focusing on teaching special needs children. She also had a passion for music and was an accomplished pianist having achieved her teaching certificate from The Toronto Royal Conservatory. Michelle was the co-founder of the Bearspaw School of Music and Art which she operated and taught at for over 20 years. Michelle's kind heart and willingness to reach out and help was evidenced by her actions toward people (and animals) in her shortened time with us. She will be dearly missed by all of those whose lives she touched. A Private Service will be held by the family. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Michelle's name to Stars Air Ambulance Calgary Base, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, AB. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca. FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM Telephone: 403-297-0888. Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial.
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69 Entries
Heidi Jackson
March 5, 2013
Our family was heart broken to hear the news of Michelle's passing, especially so long after. Michelle taught my girls piano for several years and was the warmest, most patient, and kind hearted lady we have ever known. She will be missed. All our love and deepest condolences to Mark and the family!
The Jackson Family
Keith Hunt
February 21, 2013
I remember meeting Michelle when I was teaching guitar for Music Makers at Crowfoot. She walked in to buy music books. We talked a little, and told me she had a Music School about 10 minutes West. A few months later she came in again to Music Makers and I was able to talk more to her. She said "I've given up on guitar teachers, hard to find a loyal one." I called her back about a week later, and said I could work for her part time. The deal was made. For two years I worked a few hours a week as her guitar/banjo/mandolin/uke teacher. Then I went full time with Michelle. Our friendship blossomed. She was very friendly, approachable, down to earth, kind, and just a very pleasant person. I remember how she loved to cook, could spend hours in the kitchen, and how she made meals for me many times a week. Michelle grew up in the church, and was religious at heart, as she knew I was also raised in a church. I have fond memory going with her and others to the passion play at Drumheller. I was shedding a few tears near the end, and how pleased she felt that a man could shed some tears over the passion of Christ. She was in so many ways what a Christian should be, always ready to serve, give, and go the extra mile for people. One of the funny stories she told me was how she sold her old BMW. She had a for sale sign in the window. A couple of men came over when she was at a red light. And they wanted to buy the car right there and then. And she sold it to them right there and then. Did the paper work at Crowfoot, and was standing on the road without a car. She told me how she had to phone a friend to drive her to the Music School so she could teach. Being the person she was she had all kinds of interesting happenings in the 10 years I knew her. Yes Michelle was a delightful person, happy disposition, and gave 100 percent of herself to others. The world has lost at too young an age, a true light for God in so many ways. As I now help a little to look after your dogs, your house is a constant reminder of you, everything speaks of you and your personality. it is very strange to not see you working in the kitchen making wonderful foods. I and so many others miss you so much. It was a blessing to have known you for 10 years. Will look forward when I see you again in the resurrection when our Lord and Savior comes again. Your warm and friendly smile will remain in my heart as long as I shall live.
Take your rest now dear friend, and God keep your spirit safe, as indeed he will, until me meet again.
Keith, still teaching guitar where you started it all at the Bearspaw Centre some 20 plus years ago.
February 2, 2013
Oh my, just learned of Michelle's passing. She taught both my daughter and myself piano for a short time. Words escape me - she got her puppy, Bear around that time! Rest in peace, condolences to her family
Bob & Rhonda Young
January 15, 2013
We are so sorry to hear this news Mark. Know we are thinking of you, and extend our best wishes during this difficult time. We will always have fond memories of Michelle.
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January 6, 2013
To Vince and the Kath family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Michelle. We extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Lou Cusano and family
January 6, 2013
Dear Kath Family,
Our deepest sympathies. May God comfort you and give you strength, and warmth in your memories.
Thinking of you, your neighbours and former school bus mates (for Michelle and Vince) - Ingrid, Sonja, and Robert Kubke
Dan & Ingrid Giebelhaus
January 5, 2013
Tulma and family. So sorry to hear of Michelle's recent passing. May God comfort you.
Terry & Helen Ohlhauser
January 5, 2013
Dear Tulma, Eric & family, We are saddened to hear of Michelle's passing and extend our deepest condolences to you. May our heavenly Father wrap His
loving arms around you all and hold you close to Him as you draw strength from the legacy of memories Michelle left you.
Pat Jeffery
January 3, 2013
Mark and Jordan,
I was so saddened to hear of Michelle's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are also in the thoughts and prayers of many of the folks at STARS.
Conrad Janssen
January 2, 2013
We pass onto you our deepest sympathies and condolences.Conrad and Kelly Janssen and Gert and Dora and Moni Janssen.
Eva Fabian Billing
January 2, 2013
I have met Michelle in 1990 and I was in a very close relationship with her until about a year ago. That is when I have decided to stop with hairdressing and commit myself to a new carrier. Michelle and I shared and witnessed many laughs, happiness, sadness and excitements in our lives through the years. We both knew each-others families and friends without ever meeting some of them in person. I will always remember Michelle as a detail oriented, dedicated, loving individual to her friends, students, animals and family. I am thankful to Mark, Michelle's husband for calling me on the phone and letting me know that she is in the hospital. I knew that I have to go and see her immediately as I remembered Michelle was not well for the past year. I am grateful for the chance seeing her and talking to her. I made her smile like many times before and that smile is what I will always remember her with.
Michelle! Your life was cut too short on this earth. You have touched many lives with your great charisma and that charm will carry on through our memory of you.
We will miss you. Eva and family.
Harvey and Donna widmer
January 2, 2013
Eric and Tulma..It is with saddness that we have heard about your daughter. Having lost a son of our own, we are very aware of the pain of your loss.
Harvey and Donna Widmer
Michelle Sexsmith
January 2, 2013
Mark, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Michelle, Mackenzie, and Taylor
Ralph & Trudy Krueger and Family
January 2, 2013
It was with great sadness that we learned of Michelle's passing. Our hearts go out to all of you. May God grant you strength, courage, and peace.
Lilli Allerdings
January 1, 2013
Kath's family My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time, She was always so friendly when I did see her. My prayers & thoughts are with you all & may you draw your strength from the Lord. Lilli & George
susanne mozel
January 1, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss Mark. Sending you warm hugs during this difficult time.
January 1, 2013
For Michelle
We remember the good times
How she laughed
How she listened
How she placed our needs before her own
God's devoted servant
Always with love
Life's trials did not oppress
Did not threaten
But were faced
In a calm delightful way
Her way
Always with goodness
With the invasion of hurt and pain
This did not deter
Time was still given to others
Friendships were still made
With joy and
Always with patience
Remember her with love
For she loved us
Remember her with forgiveness
For she forgave us
Every note played by us on the piano
Echoes her love
Remember all her lessons she taught us
Of life and of music
Remember her
Always
Dara, 01.01.2013
We love you, we miss you,
Dara and Vic Rabel
Elise Parker
December 31, 2012
Michelle was first my babysitter and then my piano teacher. In those capacities she was a significant part of my life from the time I was very young until I graduated from high school. She gave me the gift of music, a gift I still have in my life today and am sharing with my own children. She also taught me about the values of perseverance, effort, and honesty. She was a warm and loving person who always had a listening ear for my adolescent concerns and indeed my piano lessons always included a good talk. My teenage self regarded her as a friend and someone to look up to and she is definitely part of the person I am today. I was greatly saddened to hear of her passing and I would like to extend my condolences to her family and friends. Michelle was a wonderful person, a warm heart, and she touched my life as I am sure she touched many others.
December 31, 2012
Dear Tulma, Eric, Kath Family and Mark.
We were schocked and saddened to hear of the death of Michelle. May the Lord comfort and strenthen you at this time of your loss. With deepest sympathy.
Bruno and Anela Kerber Calgary, AB
Chris & Beth Young
December 31, 2012
Dear Kath family:
How shocked we were this morning to learn of Michelle's sudden death. What a terrible bereavement for you, losing a precious daughter and sister in the prime of her life. Words cannot do much to comfort you in your grief, but they are all we have to offer. With our sincere sympathy,
your neighbours,
Di and Ken Parker
December 31, 2012
On behalf of our family we are so sorry about this tragic news. My name is Di Parker and Michelle was a very special person in our family. She came to us as a babysitter for our two children and later our daughter enjoyed music lessons and found her way to the world of piano music which Elise enjoys today. Michelle and I were dear friends through the years and I also took music lessons from her. Michelle was always so thoughtful, kind and truly believed in a person and always supported them in any way she could. When my husband had major surgery, she took the time to bring him a basket of plants and gave them from her heart with her beautiful smile. She was a remarkable person and my world has just became emptier. So sorry for your loss. Ken and Di Parker
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2012
We were so saddened to hear the news about Michelle's passing. She was our neighbour and a dedicated, very patient piano teacher for our two sons for several years. She is going to be missed by so many. We send our condolences and sympathy to all of Michelle's family and friends at this very difficult time.
Debbie, Rob, Shey and Sim Scammell
Alfred,Karin Zielke
December 31, 2012
We're praying for and thinking of you all at this time.
Alfred & Karin Zielke,
Calgary
Don and Vi Crane
December 31, 2012
Tulma and Eric
We were shocked and saddened to read about your daughter Michelle`s sudden death. We pray that God will pour His healing balm over you both, and all your family. Our deep and heartfelt sympathy.
Don and Vi Crane
Richard Yoshimura
December 31, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to the Kath family. I will always remember Michelle as a wonderful person with a smile that warmed the world.
Murray Bodnaruk
December 31, 2012
Michelle was a great friend. She was very witty and entertaining. She loved people and her animals and she always wanted to help everyone. She loved to play her piano and she played beautifully. She was a star who burned brightly. I will miss her greatly. My prayers are with her family.
December 30, 2012
Michelle enhanced our family's love of music through her dedication, patience and talent as a music educator. She will be missed and fondly remembered as a fine lady whose own love of music made the world a more joyful place. Our condolences and sympathy go out to her family at this most difficult of times.
Gloria, Sam, Harris, James and Spence Stephenson
Lisa Baisch
December 30, 2012
MIchelle is fondly remembered by her fellow students at Cochrane High School. Heartfelt condolences to all loved Michelle and were close to her.
December 30, 2012
I am looking at my photo album and a picture of a radiant Michelle is smiling back at me. A few pages further and I see Vincent as well. I had the privilege of teaching both Michelle and Vincent in third grade at Killarney School. Michelle was always a hard worker and an enthusiastic learner. Years later I met her twice as an adult and we had wonderful conversations. It was a joy to see her again and learn of her many accomplishments. I was deeply saddened to learn of her sudden passing. I wish Mr. and Mrs. Kath and Vincent and his family my sincere sympathy at this difficult time. May God comfort you and give you peace. Kindest regards,
Hazel Burns (formerly McNab)
Bonnie Timm (Wirzba)
December 30, 2012
To Michelle's family,
I know how difficult this time can be. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Steven Guderjan
December 30, 2012
Michelle and I grew up together at the same church. My condolences go out to the entire family. May you draw strength from the Father during this time of sorrow.
Janis & Terry Legg
December 30, 2012
Dear Mark and Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Michelle's sudden passing. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you all.
In the short time that we have lived next door to you, we have witnessed first hand Michelle's passion for music,kindess towards animals and love for people. Michelle's warm smile and sunny disposition will be sadly missed but not forgotten. God Bless
Laurie Pedersen
December 30, 2012
A life taken much to soon, where is the sense in that. Michelle was a beautiful person inside and out, she will be forever missed. You and your family are on my mind and in my heart.
December 30, 2012
Dear Kath Family,
We are saddened to hear of Michelle's sudden passing and wish to convey our sincerest condolences to you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Walter and Elizabeth Retzer
Dorreen Miller
December 30, 2012
Dear Kath's - It is with profound sadness that I learned of Michelle's passing. I have many childhood memories of Michelle - from Sunday school, to summer camps at Caroline, and right through to junior high and high school. I will always remember her exceptional strength. Words simply cannot express my deepest sympathies at such a time as this, so I turn to Romans 12 where we are called to mourn with those who mourn.
December 30, 2012
Dear Tulma, Eric & family
Can't stop thinking about your loss that
you are experiencing at this time. Praying for God's peace & comfort at this time.
Irene Wirzba & family
Shelley Letourneau
December 30, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss.
Michelle and I worked together at the travel agency many years ago and I will always remember the great times we had.
She will be truly missed
G. RIta Thurn
December 30, 2012
Michelle---My dear Friend and Business Partner for almost 22 years.. I will miss our Musical Moments,lunches & late night calls to each other that would last for hours
....This is for YOU.
IF I KNEW
If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day,
Well, I was sure you'd have so many more, so could I let this one slip away?
But just in case I could be wrong and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you & I hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance We get to converse all night.
So if we're not waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today...
For if tomorrow never comes, we'll sorely regret to say,
That we didn't take that extra time for a knowing smile & hug!
Our Musical Spirit and our love for each other is forever eternal my dear Friend.
Linda Havers
December 30, 2012
Michelle was kind and generous, a really good person.I will miss our chats and get togethers. You were so much more than a piano teacher for Natasha.
Donna La France
December 30, 2012
Sad to hear of Michelle's passing at such an early age. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time. We worked together at crowfoot AMA
when she was selling travel, another accomplishment of hers. Sad for the loss of a awesome spirit! Rest in peace Michelle!
Dorleen (Gutowski) Sagert
December 30, 2012
Erich, Tulma, Vince and other family.... I am so sad to hear of Michelle's passing. Our prayers go out to each of you. She was such a good friend of mine during junior high and high school and for a few years beyond until I moved away and we lost touch. I thought of her often and all the good times we had together growing up. She was the pianist at our wedding 20 years ago and I will thank her for that forever as I can still hear her playing "The Rose" on the piano as I walked down the aisle!!! May you live in our hearts forever Michelle.
Ed and Sue Cunningham
December 29, 2012
It is with great sadness that we join you to mourn the loss of your wonderful daughter Michelle. Our thoughts and prayers be with you Eric , Tulma and family
December 29, 2012
Michelle I am so sad about your sudden passing and knew you well as your dental hygienist for years and because of that we were also friends for we saw each other frequently . I am at a loss and will miss your sweet smile. I empart my sincere condolences to your family. You will be sorely missed by so many and by all the music students that you shared your special gifts with.
Mona Troyer
Eila Bradley
December 29, 2012
Our deepest condolences to your family. Michelle will be missed very much.
Love Eila and Keith Bradley
December 29, 2012
Dear Vince and Janet, our deapest sympathies to you and your families on the loss of your sister. May your memories keep her alive in your hearts. Michael, Therese & Kyra De Long
Jacob and Betty Serr
December 29, 2012
Dear Tulma and Eric, Vince, Mark and Jordan,
We were shocked to hear of Michelle's passing. We cannot know the sorrow you are experiencing at Michelle's loss.
We pray God's Spirit will comfort you in this your great time of grief.
Helen Winters
December 29, 2012
Michelle taught our children piano lessons twenty years ago. Over the course of that time we became good friends and I have fond memories of our many visits and drives. As the years went on our lives moved in different directions but I have never forgotten my good friend Michelle. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very difficult time in their lives
Melonie Herchak
December 29, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Michelle's passing. She and I attended Cochrane High School together. I will remember her big smile, her kind heart, many football games together!. She was a great friend. Condolences to her brother Vince, her parents and her family.
Anne Marie A.
December 29, 2012
Michelle I have missed you for a long time and I will miss you even more. Thank you for teaching me piano when I was little. I love music and you guided me to get there. I miss you . Rest in peace.
Rob Bell
December 29, 2012
I only knew Michelle for a short time , but she certainly had a powerful impact. I will miss her
Shaily Mehrotra
December 28, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Michelle's family. For the 8 years that you taught me piano, memories with you are still so clear. Your smile, laugh and love of teaching will always remain in my heart. May you rest in peace and may music remain with you forever---
Bob and Joycelyn Odney
December 28, 2012
Mark, we are so sorry for your loss...our deepest sympathy to you and all of your family...our thoughts and prayers are with you.
jeffrey anthony
December 28, 2012
Our hearts are heavy with sadness today Michelle.Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends and the many students that love you.Thank you so much for taking Forest under your wing and guiding him so brilliantly in such a short time...we will miss you....
Belinda Garcia
December 28, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Rey Aranador
December 28, 2012
Our sincere condolences to Michelle's family. Michelle was our daughter only piano teacher. She has a tremendous skills and a lot of patience to all her students. We will surely missed her. Rest in peace Michelle.
Rey, Lynnie and Lara Renee
JN Armstrong
December 28, 2012
Mark, our thoughts are with you. Michelle was truly a wonderful person and will be missed. JN and Deb
jola and Forest Muran
December 28, 2012
Michelle had a gift for giving of herself 1000%. We are sad to loose a talented music mentor for my son. We will always remember with whom he had his first piano lesson and who believed in his music abilities. Thank you so very much for being part of our journey. You are sadly missed.
Heidi Schock
December 28, 2012
Will forever remember you, Michelle, as you bounced down the stairs with your pigtails to piano lessons and always left with a big smile and "thank you". You were a student who became my friend. Your life was much too short, but you influenced the lives of so many others. May God give your loved ones the peace they need during this very difficult time. Love you. Heidi Schock
Robert & Leslie B-Tech Electronics
December 28, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lisa Schulz
December 28, 2012
Michelle will truly be missed. She was a kind and patient teacher who gave it her all when teaching my children piano and they loved her, not only as a teacher but also as a friend. Michelle loved to chat and always had a beautiful smile on her face. Rest in peace my friend.
December 28, 2012
Michelle, I am so sad and I will miss you! You were such a good friend! I love you! Karin Ediger
Michael Bodnarchuk
December 28, 2012
We will always remember your smile, your laughter, and your passion for music. Thank you so much for your gift of you.
Natasha Bodnarchuk
December 28, 2012
Thank you for your gift of music, Michelle. I will always think of you everytime I sit down to play the piano.
Ewa& Ziggy Zguczynski
December 28, 2012
.. Before the throne of God
Thousands of children stand.
Children whose sins are forgiven.
A holy, happy band.
Up there among the throng
Our little Michelle stands
Waiting for us to join him (her)
In that holy, happy land.
We love You Michelle
Ewa Zguczynski
December 28, 2012
Michelle I will miss You very much..
Ewa Zguczynski
December 28, 2012
Michell I will miss You very much...
Rob & Sheila Hemminger
December 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this most difficult time.
Alf Gould
December 28, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Michelle's passing.She was a student of mine when
she attended Cochrane High School. I always remember her with a smile on her face and kindness in her heart. Over the
years I have bumped into her on several
occasions and she always had the same
wonderful smile on her face. Michelle
was a wonderful young lady and some one
who was very proud of her brother Vince.
I will certainly miss her but I will have the memory of her smile and good heart.
Alf Gould
Adele Durand
December 28, 2012
Michelle and I were friends for a long time. She was a very good friend. She truly had a servants heart as she was always doing things for others. My life was blessed because she was my friend, I will miss her very much. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
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3220 4th St NW, Calgary, AB T2M3A5
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