It is normal for a son to think his mother is special; however, Janet Elaine Berna wasn’t special for what she did for her family. She was special because of how she positively touched so many people in this community.
She was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Her father was a doctor who had five daughters; she was the youngest. She married Allen Loyd Berna on November 19, 1945, and had two children: Carol Rykovich and Gary Berna. She spent years working as a bookkeeper for Utah Power and Light in Moab, which brought her in contact with many people in the community. She worked tirelessly with her husband to help create a business that built hundreds of homes here in Moab. She was also instrumental in a second business endeavor, Berna Building Center, a hardware and lumber yard where she touched even more people.
Although she was born in Canada, she worked diligently to gain citizenship in America so she could be closer to her children and husband. She truly exhibited great love, grace and compassion for family, friends and this community. She is survived by children Carol Rykovich and Gary Berna; grandchildren Marcie Lawson, Robert MacTaggart and Janet Mathis; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
