Obituary of Beryl Kay Wignes

Beryl Kay Wignes

June 23, 1930 ~ February 3, 2021

 

To watch recorded video of funeral click here:  https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/129414688

 

It is with deep sadness that the family of Beryl Kay Wignes announce her peaceful passing, at home, on Wednesday, February 3, 2021.  90+ years of celebrating a full and adventurous life.

 

Beryl was born on June 23, 1930, in Rosetown Saskatchewan. She was born to Alexander and Marian McCallum, being their first offspring of 3 daughters.  She was lovingly nicknamed “Babe”.

 

She grew up on the family farm just outside of Glamis, Saskatchewan. Beryl took her schooling at Glamis School for Grade 1; Windy Plain School for grade 2 through 9; Rosetown High School for grade 10 to 12.  In 1948-1949 she attended Normal School in Saskatoon to attain her Teaching Certificate.  Beryl truly loved and embraced the gift of “learning” and sharing that gift throughout her lifetime.

 

Her teaching career first took her to South Dean School, south of Elrose, from 1949 to 1951.  Her next challenge was moving to the Glynfield district School, near Plunkett Saskatchewan, in 1951 to 1953.  These were both one room school houses where she taught Grade 1 through 12.  Her quiet demeanor and patience were most tested, we are assured!  Glynfield School would prove to outline her destiny, and ultimately, the family lineage.

 

Beryl chanced on meeting her future husband; a soldier returning home from World War II, who had settled in on his family’s homestead.  A courtship unfolded with the teacher across the road and a handsome man named Norman Wignes.

 

They married on August 19, 1953, making Saskatoon their home, and moved onto 29^th St to start their family.  Their home ended up staying in the Wignes family for over 50 years, passed on to 3 generations.  Moving to the city, Beryl then taught at Westmount School in Saskatoon for the year of 1954.  In 1955 she welcomed her first born, and thus her career choice flipped from Teacher to Mother and Housewife.  The start of molding new minds; sharing her passion of one stretching their wings to achieve anything possible.  All her children were blessed.

 

Beryl had countless outside interests and accomplishments, besides her family, that one would need an entire novel to capture!  She was very involved with St Thomas Wesley United Church, in so many capacities.  She volunteered her time canvassing for many fundraising foundations; worked at both Caswell Hill Public School and Bedford Road Collegiate through library and book returning appointments.  She enumerated for many years, engaging in political movements that would push Saskatchewan and all Canadian residents into the lime-light.  She participated in the newly formed Farmers Market where she sold her baking and canning goods.  There were many pie making bees in her home; pealing apples, kneading dough for orders of 30 pies or more for one customer.  Her baking skills would have put most pastry chefs to shame. 

 

Beryl was a standing member of TVS #78 Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and volunteered with the Ladies Auxiliary.  She also volunteered her time with Saskatoon Folkfest in regards to the Norwegian Pavilion.  Beryl and Norman both bowled for many years and enrolled all their children in this sport.  One of the highlights for their children was hopping over to The Bay Malt Shop across the street after Saturday bowling to treat themselves, spending their hard earned 25 cent allowance!

 

With Beryl’s love of the world, she took in many trips; traveling to Scotland to connect with her Scottish heritage; Norway to set eyes on her husband’s family roots; Alaska; various bus trips made throughout Canada and the United States with family and friends.

 

As her family now cascades through her trinkets; her belongings; this present journey evokes many tales and treasured memories, caught up through both laughter and tears.  A babe loved by her own family; a young girl evolving into a woman, mapping out her destiny.  Being raised through the 30’s; fighting drought; sicknesses; raising a family in the late 50 and 60’s where women were held in their place within society.  Beryl, in her quiet and gentle manner, held her own ground, to eventually leave a legacy worth its mention in history.  She loved her husband and his family; her children; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; her siblings; nieces; nephews; anyone who walked along beside her in her path; each holding a poignant place in her heart.

 

Left behind to cherish Beryl’s memory is son Brent (Wendy) Wignes and children Jennelle (Travis) Haaland; their children Seth and Evan; Kirsten (Kurt) Brown; their children Mason and Paige, Mallory (Colin) Sirois; their children Carter and Cooper; Jeret (Leah) Wignes; daughter Heather Nykiforuk and children Matthew (Denise) Nykiforuk; their daughter Kamryn; Michaen (Colden) Lukey; their children Ryan, Riggins, Dune; daughter Holly Brotzel and children Chesney (Brad) Wright; their daughter Harleigh; and Kyle Brotzel; son Martin (Sandy) Vignes and children Johnathan (Priscilla) Kolisnek; their daughter Ariana; Joshua Kolisnek and his children Ayden, Ethan, Hunter; Serina Vignes (Ryan Schweitzer).  Beryl’s sister Sharon Brown; brother-in-law Lindsay Bower; numerous nieces and nephews as well as family in Norway. 

 

Beryl was pre-deceased by her father, Alexander in 1952; mother, Marian in 2006; son-in-law Rob Nykiforuk in 2006; husband Norman in 2007; sister Tanya Bower in 2013; grand-daughter, Amanda Vignes in 2020; brother and sister in-laws on both McCallum and Wignes sides.

 

The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, February 14^th at 2:00 p.m. at Saskatoon Funeral Home.  Internment to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Saskatoon, at a later date.   Due to COVID rules service will be held for immediate family only.  The live streaming link is available for those who wish to join the family, on the day of the Service, and will be at the top of this page.

 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Beryl’s memory.

 

“As the seasons change and years slip by, one by one, we all must fade

Photographs of time past telling a story of our ancestry; the foundation that is laid

Stepping stones of a life spent with dedication be it humble with abundant grace

We love you now; we love you more; we love you; simply love you; most”