À la mémoire de Berry, Kathleen

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BERRY, Dr. Kathleen. MD FRCSC

August 30, 1957 – April 20, 2021

 

            It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kathleen Berry surrounded by her family on April 20, 2021 at the family home at Lac Hughes/Gore, Quebec. Kath, to friends, was born in Halifax, NS  to Doreen Berry and the late Gerald R. Berry, MD but grew up in Rosemere, Quebec. She was known for her practical nature, quick wit, pink cardigans, boundless generosity and endless love.

            Following her undergraduate studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS she attended McGill Medical School. After the completion of her residency in pediatrics  she created a tailored fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine by spending time in San Francisco, Baltimore, New York and Glasgow. She worked at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) for over twenty-five years.  Kath gave heart and soul to her vocation as physician and educator.  She saved countless children’s lives and taught nearly as many young physicians to do the same during her wonderful career.  As well as a colleague, Kath was also a close friend to many whom she mentored as they pursued their own missions across the UK.  She spoke of them often and they remember her easy laugh, her great sense of humor and passion for family, friends and those she cared for. She was instrumental in the development of a pediatric ER fellowship at the national level and was the first consultant in emergency medicine at BCH. A kind, astute and compassionate clinician, she taught and mentored many house-officers and staff with a generous spirit and great humor and wit.

            Kath, and her husband Tony Foster, raised two beautiful and caring daughters, Emily and Isabel, who had the privilege to care for her throughout her illness.  We all know how proud Kath was of her family through her many humorous and touching stories. They have returned her love with even greater caring and peace. Tony’s music brought he and Kathleen together so many years ago and she was always filled with joy and pride listening to Tony whether on the dock by the lake with the family around or in the pub with his band mates.  Sweet Kath O’Mine, indeed!

            Following her retirement in 2018, Kath and Tony divided their time between Lac Hughes, Spain and the UK, each of which were special in her heart. 

            Kathleen was the eldest of 6 children and was the glue that held everyone together.  She gladly answered calls about sick nieces and nephews and, as the big sister, she kept all of her brothers in line.  She leaves behind a heartbroken family that includes her husband Tony, daughters Emily (Andrew) and Isabel, mother Doreen, brothers Gerald (Carol), Brian (Celine), Michael, Gregory (Judith) and Robert (Laura) and her English family including Rachel (Paul) and Jonathon (Clare) and their children. We will all miss Kath’s love, her beautiful smile, the roll of her eyes and easy laughter.  Her nieces and nephews will forever see Auntie Kathleen as an inspiration in their own lives.

            A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Basilica in Montreal, Quebec in summer 2021 followed by a lively celebration (at her request) to allow friends and family to openly gather and revel in song, stories and fond memories. Heartfelt thanks to home caregivers Laurie and Kathy, Dr. A. Genge and the ALS team at the MNI, Maryse and the team Lachute CLSC team, and her dear friend, Kathy Kurdyla.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the ALS Fund at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Basilica on July 30th at 10:30 AM. People are welcome to attend to pay their respects. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the celebration held after the mass will be for immediate family only.”