Zetta Rose Grace Berg (Black) was born in Oakburn, MB, on December 10, 1931, to Ethel and John Black. She was the youngest of seven children. She grew up on the farm and had many happy memories of growing up with her brothers and sisters. She graduated from Grade 10, then moved to Winnipeg to attend St. James Business School. Zetta was married in 1950 and had two children, Janet and Barry. After her separation she moved to Flin Flon in 1956 and began working at Northland Motors. In 1958 she met a handsome young baseball player named Wayne.
In 1960 they started their life together and in the next few years had two children, Ray and Luanne. Zetta and Wayne spent countless hours fixing their Queen Street house, landscaping the yard, and working in the garden.
There was always time though for fishing, camping, hunting, and berry picking. For over 20 years the truck camper was parked at Iskwasum for several weeks in the summer. She was a lifelong member of the United Church. She truly valued her church family and the friendships she made there. Zetta enjoyed many activities, swimming, curling, sewing, cards, and Scrabble. She kept her life full and busy but always had time for her family.
She made sure her grandchildren always had cookies, stories, and games to play. Zetta was diagnosed with cancer 23 years ago. She never ‘battled’ cancer, she took it in stride and went ahead with living her life. She was blessed with a great inner strength and courage to overcome her challenges. She was reliable and trustworthy. She was generous with her love and her time. During her final weeks, she said she had had a good life, she had made her peace and was not afraid to die.
Zetta passed away peacefully on August 1, 2014. Zetta was predeceased by her parents, brother Doug, sisters Margaret and Mary. She is survived by husband Wayne; children, Jan Modler (Greg East), Barry Modler (Nissa), Ray Berg, and Luanne Berg. Grandchildren, Jesse, Cody, and Jeni East; Solomon Berg; Skyler Yaworski; and Mott Jantasorn; sisters, Phyllis McIntyre, Shirley LeBlanc and Ruth McIntosh, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A heartfelt thank you to all the nurses, health care aides, and staff on the third floor. All of you are truly a credit to your professions. A special thank you to Cancer Care Manitoba, Shaun Krassilowsky, Trish Saddleburger, and Dr. Fahim for all your care, compassion, and support over the past few years.
Thank you to everyone who dropped off food, came to visit Zetta and helped out, especially during her last few weeks. Your thoughtfulness and generosity was sincerely appreciated. Thank you to Dana, Rhonda, and Darren at Dadson Funeral Home for your compassion and assistance.
Wayne, Jan, Barry, Ray, Luanne, and families
