Obituaries

CHERYL LYNNE BERGSON

1968 – 2026

On May 4, 2026 at Riverview Palliative Care in Winnipeg, Cheryl lost her battle with breast cancer. Cheryl was committed to fighting and did everything she could to beat it. Her courage was remarkable.

Cheryl leaves behind her beloved husband of 37 years, Kirk Cantley. Her sons Tait (Courtney) and Shea Cantley, who were her world. Cheryl is survived by her mother Joyce Bergson and brothers Perry (Maria) and Garry Bergson, and nieces Lexie and Madison.  She was predeceased by her father Steve.

Cheryl was welcomed into the family of Steve and Joyce Bergson on March 13^th, 1968 in Portage la Prairie, MB.  She attended La Verendrye School for kindergarten to grade nine, and then Portage Collegiate for high school, graduating in 1986.  Cheryl won perfect attendance award almost every year of her studies.  After graduation, Cheryl enrolled in Hairdressing in Winnipeg and moved there in September of 1986 where she worked as a hairdresser as well. About a year and a half later she enrolled into the University of Manitoba to pursue a Fine Arts Degree. During University days, she worked at Ashton’s Art Gallery at Polo Park.  Cheryl always loved any form of art, and in September 1990 she was presented with the Jack Hassard Memorial Bursary for $1000.  Each year was given to a student enrolled in the fine arts program, and she was in her second year, majoring in Sculpture.

New Years Eve of 1989, Cheryl met Kirk, and they embarked on a life together that was filled with art, music, travel, sports, and friends. They grew their family with Tait in 1993 and Shea in 1997. Her boys were her world, and Cheryl was tireless in supporting their activities and sharing her passions with them. She wanted her house to be the hub for them and their friends and created a welcoming environment and home.

Cheryl excelled in sports. She learned to skate early and became a fearsome ringette player and later played women’s hockey. She was an accomplished fastball player as well. Sports were an important part of Cheryl’s life growing up and into adulthood and she encouraged her boys to also participate in sports as they grew up.

Cheryl loved art and spent her life studying and enjoying it. She led her family on many adventures to see the world and the beauty in it. Cheryl loved all kinds of art but had a particular affinity for modern art. Her world reflected her eye for color, light, and design. She also loved music and many people know of her special affinity for David Bowie.

Cheryl was passionate about her relationships and spent time investing in family and friends. Family events and reunions were a priority and she enjoyed visiting. Her friendships were long and loyal. Many people entered her orbit and few left it.

Cheryl’s career was a source of pride for her as she found a way to translate the beauty of her creative world to the practical world. She started working in a frame shop and eventually found her way to leadership roles with Dulux and later Sherwin Williams.

No matter where she was and what she was doing, Cheryl brought the energy and excitement. You couldn’t be near her without being swept up in her enthusiasm for life and all it had to offer. She loved clothes and shoes and had an unmistakable style.

In the words of David Bowie, “we could be heroes, just for one day” which means even in the darkest or most ordinary times, everyday people have the capacity to be extraordinary, brave, and make a difference. Cheryl did all of this and has left this world richer for her life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Cancer Care, Manitoba   https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation  or Manitoba Possible, 1857 Notre Dame, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3E7.

Service to celebrate Cheryl’s life will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Silver Heights Restaurant, 2169 Portage Avenue, Wpg, MB.  Doors will open at noon with service starting at 1:00pm.