Obituary of Bernadette Karkut
The family of Bernadette Karkut of the Ituna District, beloved wife of Kevin Karkut, sadly announce her passing on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. She was 65 years of age.
Prayers will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. from Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ituna, preceded by the praying of the rosary at 6:30 p.m.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. from Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ituna.
The interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Autism Services Saskatoon as gifts of remembrance.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home, Ituna.
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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bernadette Doreen Karkut (née Kozun) on July 14, 2026, at the age of 65.
Bernadette was born on January 2, 1961, to Olga and Terry Kozun and was raised on the family farm near Ituna, Saskatchewan. Growing up in a close-knit Ukrainian family alongside her identical twin sister, Henriette, her older sister, Pat, and younger brother, Danny, she developed the strong work ethic, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to family that would define her life.
After graduating from Ituna School, Bernadette moved to Regina, where she earned her diploma as a Registered Nurse. Nursing was more than a career—it was her calling. Throughout her career, she cared for countless patients with compassion, kindness, and selflessness, while forming lifelong friendships with colleagues. She retired in February 2024, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional care and dedication.
On April 24, 1982, Bernadette married the love of her life, Kevin Karkut. Together they built a beautiful life centered on love, laughter, family, and creating lasting memories. They raised four daughters—Melissa (Chris Kucey), Amanda (Dan Essar), Michelle (Devin Howell-Shiplack), and Samantha (Mike Berezny)—who were the pride and joy of her life.
Bernadette had a remarkable gift for making ordinary moments extraordinary. Whether it was magical Christmases, elaborate Easter egg hunts, family camping trips, or simply gathering everyone around the table for a homemade meal, she created a childhood filled with wonder for her daughters and later for her beloved grandchildren. Feeding people was one of the many ways she showed her love, and no one ever left her home hungry—or without feeling welcome.
Her greatest joy was being Baba to Callie, Clara, Charlie, Benji, Theodore, Jackson, and Carter. She cherished every moment spent baking, camping, gardening, exploring, and making memories with them. Her home was always a place of laughter, unconditional love, and open arms. Baba was the best because the bigger the mess, the more the fun. She was a child at heart which made her imagination so magical for the grand babies. Baba never thought twice about having a two step in the kitchen, pulling cushions off the couch to make a fort, making handpuppets to tell a story or putting on another halloween wig to get into character. You were never too old to be silly and have fun, that was something she instilled so deeply within us that we will forever cherish. Her forever, underlying childlike spirit was the brightest, warmest light in any room.
Bernadette will be remembered for her generous heart, her surprisingly crude sense of humor, unwavering kindness, and her ability to make every person feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether you were known to mom or a complete stranger in the grocery store, nothing made her happier than socializing. She taught those around her that life's greatest treasures are found in family, traditions, shared meals, and time spent together.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 44 years, Kevin; her daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and Chris Kucey, Amanda and Dan Essar, Michelle and Devin Howell-Shiplack, and Samantha and Mike Berezny; her treasured grandchildren, Callie, Clara, Charlie, Benji, Theodore, Jackson, and Carter; her mother, Olga Kozun; her sister, Henriette Howat (Doug Hague); her brother, Danny Kozun (Leanne Kozun); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and former colleagues.
She was predeceased by her father, Terry Kozun, her sister, Pat Popik and nephew Devin Howat.
Bernadette's greatest legacy is the love she shared, the family she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched. Her kindness, compassion, and generous spirit will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her. She left a lasting mark on everyone she met and will forever be missed but never forgotten.
