A celebration of life held at Rurban Brewing has raised $1,000 for Carefor Hospice Cornwall in memory of Kerri Bergeron, a devoted educator who passed away April 7 at the age of 50.

Friends and family gathered at one of Bergeron’s favourite places alongside her husband, Leigh, and daughter, Kali, to honour her life while supporting the hospice that cared for her in her final days.

“On April 7th, I had to say goodbye to Kerri. She was my world for 30 years,” said Leigh Bergeron. “Hospice was truly amazing in every way possible. Their care and support are unmatched! It is our great honour to do what we can to help support their efforts to help others experiencing the same loss we have.”

Bergeron was widely known as an inspiring educator who built a successful high school hairdressing program, mentoring students and helping them pursue careers in the skilled trades. Her classroom was recognized as a welcoming space where students felt supported and encouraged to succeed.

In keeping with her generous spirit, Bergeron also chose to donate her body to science, ensuring her commitment to education and learning would continue beyond her lifetime.

Hospice officials said the donation will directly support compassionate end-of-life care in the community.

“We are incredibly grateful to Rurban Brewing, Leigh, and Kali for hosting such a beautiful celebration of life in Kerri’s memory,” said Rhonda Simpson, Fundraising Manager at Hospice Cornwall. “This generous donation means so much to Hospice, as it helps us continue providing compassionate end-of-life care to members of our community.”

Simpson added that Bergeron’s passing is also a personal loss, having met her through figure skating. “Kerri will be deeply missed.”

The family has encouraged further donations to hospice care or breast cancer research in Bergeron’s memory.