Obituary of Winnifred Berkes
The family of Winnifred Berkes of Whitewood, beloved wife of the late Steve Berkes and the late George Istace, sadly announces her passing on January 23, 2025.
The Funeral Service will be held at a later date and posted when confirmed.
Memorials in memory of Winnifred may be made to St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church PO Box 639 Whitewood, SK S0G 5C0 as gifts of remembrance.
The family of WINNIFRED ALICE BERKES of Whitewood, Sask, beloved wife of the late Steve Berkes and the late George Istace, sadly announce her passing on January 23rd, 2025. She was 92 years of age.
Winnifred was born June 23, 1932, in Calgary to Wilfred Gagnon and Adelaide Gagnon (Cotter). She grew up in Saskatoon and attended teachers’ college there. Upon graduation she moved to Dumas to teach in a one room classroom. This is where she met Steve Berkes. After their marriage in Saskatoon, they lived in Stoughton for a couple years and Linda was born there. They moved to Alida, where they welcomed Nancy and then Michael into the family. Winnifred taught school while in Alida. Following their move to Whitewood, Winnifred worked a few different jobs and then opened a florist shop, named ”Courtesy of Steve’s”. Steve passed away in 1990. A few years later her family grew significantly when she met and married George, becoming part of the Istace family. They enjoyed dancing and travelling together and sharing time with their two families. George passed away in 1999.
Winnifred never slowed down, completing her accounting designation. She also enjoyed knitting and her Roughrider sweaters remain family treasures. She chauffeured many friends on casino and bingo excursions.
She was very active in the Whitewood community. She was on town council, the committee to open the Community Health Centre, Meals on Wheels, St Joseph’s Church Council, 4-H, and the Ecumenical Association.
She is predeceased by her parents, by her husbands, Steve Berkes and George Istace, her brother Wilfred Gagnon and many brother and sister in-laws on both sides of her extended families.
Winnifred is survived by her brother, Paul Gagnon (Maureen); her children: Linda Istace (Edward), Nancy Simms (Garth), and Michael Berkes (Christiane) her grandchildren: Craig Istace (Danielle) Drew Istace (Estey) Dana Kostyk (Blake) Kelly Simms (Shannon) Kirk Simms (Jodi) Michelle Costley, Tessa Nicholson. Her great-grandchildren: Braya and Kira Istace; Halston and Posey Istace; Taye, Olivia , Carter and Mekhi Simms; Kam Wall; Avery, Owen and Macy Costley; Everett and Tucker Nicholson-Schell. Numerous nieces and nephews and a special niece, Dianne Merkel. Also survived by on the Istace family: sisters in law and brothers in law, Guy Istace (Bev), Anne Marie Nixon (Stewart), Rose Gatin, Octavie Istace, Urbain Istace (Cecile), Marguerite Brandon (Brian) Laurent Istace (Wendy), Victor Istace (Brenda), Jean Paul Istace (Denise), and Amy Jameson.
In 2022, Winnifred became a resident of the Whitewood Community Health Center where she was lovingly cared for by all who worked there.
She passed away peacefully with her children at her side.
