Carol Ann Bereza

Carol Ann Bereza (nee Keighan) passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the age of 88 years at eh Lions Prairie Manor, Portage la Prairie, MB.

Mom will be lovingly remembered by her sons Jim (Kim) and Bill (Catherine) as well as her grandchildren whom she dearly loved and was extremely proud of, Megan, Michelle and David. Her brothers Charlie (Louise) and Frank and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, Billy (Bob), mother MaryEllen (nee Lonergan), father James Andrew Keighan, stepfather George Rozel, and brothers Larry, Jack, Tom and sister Phillis June.

Mom was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario where she was raised and educated until the time, she enlisted in the Royal Canadian Airforce 1956 as a LAW Leading Aircraft women, a member of its Women’s Division. It was that year that mom and dad met in Langar Nottingham England and married in 1958. Mom and dad were transferred to Zweibrucken, Germany in 1958 and until 1961. It was there that mom would be discharged to begin her family.

During that time, son James was born in 1959 and in 1961 mom and Jim sailed to St. Hubert, Quebec to meet up with dad for the beginning of many postings. Notably, Trenton, Ontario where son Bill was born in 1964. Next posting in 1968 to Namao, Edmonton, Alberta. Mom looked after us while dad flew all over the world and she worked for Hudson Bay Wholesale in accounting. Our final family posting to Portage la Prairie, Manitoba brought us full circle where mom became a hockey mom, worked for Rogers Wholesale from 1973 to 1989. Mom and Bill started up C&B Wholesale and when that was taken over, she moved to a farm manufacturer in accounting. Mom was always good with numbers.

Mom was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 40 years. A chair has her name on it at the VLT’s. Attending Herman Prior would often see her at the front desk. An active member of the Ukrainian Woman’s League and the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Assumption acting as treasurer for many years. She loved working in the kitchen, working on perogy detail and catering with the members and her brother Frank. Mom had an infection smile and a passion for volunteering.

The parishioners gathered at Season’s Restaurant after church where many stories would have been told. Bingo, mom LOVED Bingo and played weekly until her passing. Not one card, but many at once. Casino trips with sister-in-law Helen were a highlight. Mom was a regular user of the Handi Van and enjoyed her rides with all the drivers over the years.

We are extremely grateful to all the staff at the Lions Prairie Manor who cared for mom over the past 2 ½ years. The professionalism and caring minds that you all exemplified made her days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society MB – Dementia Care, 10-120 Donald St. Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 or to the Ukrainian Relief Fund c/o Red Cross, Unit B-850 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB R2M 2M8.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2026. Details will be announced at that time. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared below.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.