Catherine "Cathy" (Cerar) Berka Obituary (1942

Catherine Cerar Berka passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018, at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Cathy was born June 30, 1942, in Warren, Ohio to Frank and Anna Cerar. Cathy grew up second to the youngest of her four siblings, Robert, Barbara, John, and Mary. Cathy received her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio and married the love of her life James Willard Berka on September 5, 1964. They raised four children in Baker City and their loving marriage of 53 years was built on faith and family and was filled with many adventures. Cathy was passionate about many things but most importantly family, friends and her faith. She was a devoted member of the Catholic church and considered the local parish her extended family. She raised her family in the Catholic faith and had an unshakable relationship with God. Cathy loved to cook and to say her food was excellent would be an understatement. From her homemade rolls, desserts and her famous potato salad, everything was made from scratch and no one ever left her home hungry. She was a voracious reader and a book was never far from her reach. Some of her most treasured times were spent at the Snake River. She has encouraged and instilled this love for boating, floating, margaritas, game playing, and togetherness as a tradition that will continue on through her family and friends. Cathy was happy playing any card game but especially Bridge. She belonged to several bridges clubs and enjoyed tournament play as she was a very skillful player and loved to win! Cathy left a lasting impression on anyone she met. She had a laugh that was contagious and was effortless at making people feel at home. She was the glue that brought people together and made you want to get involved. Although she could be very outspoken and stubborn at times her kindness and generosity were the main qualities she will be remembered for. She touched many lives and taught us all how to live life in the moment and not take life for granted. She is survived by her husband James W. Berka, son Patrick and wife Allison Berka, daughter Kim and husband Richard Wellman, daughter Natalie and husband Brian Scott and son Jeremy Berka; eight grandchildren: Jhonna and husband Travis Birmingham, Jennifer and husband Nick Paulsen, Camden and Tyler Berka, Jocelyn and Quinton Wellman and Logan and Garrett Scott; five great-grandchildren: Koedi, Gaige and Colton Birmingham and Hayden and Ryann Paulsen. Also her two sisters Barbara Guzan of North Carolina and Mary and her husband, Harmon VanHorn of Florida. Cathy is proceeded in death by her father Frank and mother Anna Cerar, her brother's Bob and John Cerar. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 9:30 am Saturday, May 5, 2018, at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral (2235 First Street, Baker City, OR) with Memorial services immediately following at 10 am. Please join us for fellowship, food, and celebration of Cathy's life in the Parish Hall directly following the memorial mass. Those wishing to make contributions in Cathy's memory may direct them to St. Francis de Sales food bank through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814.