Maria Berden was born in Odranci, Yugoslavia, in the family home in 1935. By the age of 22, she had moved and lived in Austria for 3 years with her husband, Frank. They decided to move to Canada in 1957, travelling by ship for two weeks aboard The Seven Seas, then by train. Once on land they made Saskatoon, SK, their home. She was 8 months pregnant during the trip and had her first child, Frank, 10 short days after arriving in Canada. A few years later the arrival of a daughter, Marlene, and over a decade later another daughter, Katherina.

Maria worked at Broadway bakery, then Royal University Hospital as a house keeper. Moving over the years, they settled in Prince Albert, SK, where she worked at the Holy Family hospital for 26 years in housekeeping. Maria loved spending time in her garden and enjoyed the birds that visited her lush garden of flowers. Her home was always filled with beautiful plants that she attended to daily. Her pride and joy were her three children. Her love for them was endless and she always protected them.

Maria is survived by her son, Frank Berden (Agatha Moura); her grandson, Jason Zaborsky, (Sasha); her great-grandchildren, Anika, Jasper; her granddaughter, Kira Madraga; her great-grandchildren, Aaron, Ethan, Deakan, Taylor. Her daughter, Marlene Kraft (Iven Collins); her grandson, Jamie Kraft (Jen Martinson); her great-grandchildren, Sophia, Samuel, Emma Kraft-Martinson; her grandson, Gordon Kraft; her great-grandchildren, Takara, Elijah, Julian; her granddaughter, Tammy LaRoque (Chris); her great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Lauren, Jade; her granddaughter, Tania Diehl (Chris); her great-grandchildren, Georgia, Luca; and her grandson, Richard Kraft. Her daughter, Kathy Berden; and her granddaughter, Peyton Maria Lyn Yakubchuk. Maria was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Frank Berden; her parents, Ivan Zver and Katarina Zver (Marič); and her brothers, Martin and Franc Zver.

Mom’s Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday, Sunday, February 2, 2020, at 3 p.m., at River Park Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please bring a plant from home to surround mom with the garden of life. The plant can be dropped off by Friday and you can pick up after the service. Friends and family are welcome to remember Maria Berden and wish her a happy birthday in heaven. Thank you in advance for helping with the build of a garden in the chapel, With your help it will be a memorable one. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/riverpark/Obituaries/maria-berden/44859 . Funeral arrangements will be entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2020-01-24
• Location : Prince Albert, SK