Obituaries
NYBERG, Dr Jessie Carol
Dr. Jessie Carol Nyberg
April 10, 1942 – September 3, 2021
On September 3, 2021, Dr. Jessie Carol Nyberg of Kelowna, BC, passed away at the age of 79 from complications of COVID 19. Jessie followed her husband, Robert (Bob) Francis Nyberg, who passed away on January 20, 2021. She is survived by her son Christopher and daughter-in-law September Nyberg, her daughter, Renee Nyberg, three grandchildren, Bryenne, Jackson & Jena Nyberg, and her siblings Lesley Graham, Vivian & Wayne Allen and William & Eileen McKenna. Dr. Nyberg also leaves cherished memories with many family, friends, and colleagues around the world. Born in Kamloops, BC, she lived there till she finished the nursing program at Royal Inland Hospital in 1963. She worked in Alberta, BC, California and her favorite Hawaii over 46 years, from critical care nursing, running a heart unit to advocating for indigenous peoples she changed the lives of many. Dr. Nyberg received the Queens Diamond Jubilee Metal for her years of dedicated service in nursing, early childhood education and indigenous advocacy. In may of 2021 she received an honorary doctorate from UBCO something she felt very honoured by. A celebration of life is planned for after covid restrictions are over.
If friends and family desire, please consider donating to the Elders group of Central Okanagan (Kelowna) friendship center society in Dr. Jessie Nyberg’s name.
- Sep 16, 2021
In 2015 I met Jessie when I was a MSW student at UBCO taking a course called Cultural Safety in Health Care : indigenous perspectives.
Jessie shared her story of the treatment she had received when she came into hospital and experienced racism, stereotyping and negative assumptions about her that affected the care she received. The story was sickening. I have never forgotten that story Jessie shared and have been deeply impacted by the awareness that our health care system can be so unsafe for First Nation People.
I am forever grateful to Jessie for the gift of a window into her experiences.
My pledge to Jessie's legacy is to be a tireless advocate for culturally safe health care and to do my earnest best to be an ally to First Nations People.
Nicola King - Sep 12, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Jessie's family.
I was touched by Jessie's beautiful spirit, and was greatly impacted by my time with her. Her wisdom left a beautiful imprint on my heart and soul as she generously shared her experiences and story; it changed who I became as a nurse and as a human-being.
The ripple of her wisdom and care extend into this world through the many, many people she touched in her journey. I know the ancestors welcomed her home, weary, from a life well lived and a job well done.
Thank YOU, Jessie. Blessings to Jessie's family.
Corinne Crockett
- Sep 12, 2021
I am very sorry to learn my nursing classmate, Jessie, has passed away.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Arlene Graves
- Sep 10, 2021
Jessie was a classmate of mine at RIH and a good friend during those years. For sure she will be missed by so many in the health field and by her many friends and acquaintances. Condolences to all your family. Jessie was truly an inspiration to us all.
Thera Edwards - Sep 10, 2021
Kia ora. Jessie was very kind to me when I travelled to Kelowna to present my research on cultural safety. We became friends and we also presented together at a conference in New Zealand. Jessie gave me permission to tell her story about being a patient in hospital in my PhD thesis.
I am grateful for the time I spent with Jessie and she will always be remembered for her generosity of spirit and time.
Dianne Wepa. - Sep 10, 2021
To the Nyberg Family, My sincerest condolences to you on Jessie's passing. We trained together at R.I.H. and had many fun times during our 3 year training period.
May the memories of your happy times together sustain you through this time of transition.
Blessings, Tivola Howe. - Sep 10, 2021
Jessie and Bob were such cherished souls and were perfect for each other. I’m saddened that they are both gone from us on this earth but happy they are together once again. I met Jessie at the Elders group at KFS and fell in love with her happy, knowledgeable, caring personality instantly. She will be greatly missed by many. I am also sorry and send my condolences to her family. Kukstemc for all your teachings Jessie. Love you and see you again one day.
Shanny, Brayden and Ellie. - Sep 10, 2021
Mom and I had the privilege of meeting Jessie back in July. Such a kind beautiful soul. Mom had many conversations with Jessie and enjoyed her company. Both would talk about their families and how blessed they were to have great kids. Your mom appreciated all that you did for her whether it was picking up clothes, fixing her cell phone or those ice caps from Tim Hortons and so much more.
We hope you find comfort that she has been reunited with your dad. Jessie has accomplished a lot her life and was very proud of these accomplishments and most of all she was proud of her family.
There are many people that you meet in your life but only a handful leave a lasting impression. Jessie is one of those people.
Thank you Jessie for kindness and stories.
Chris, Renee and family cherish those fond memories and keep them close to your heart.
Clarice Weninger & Tamara Weninger
- Sep 09, 2021
Christopher and Renee and families, I am so sad to know that my friend Jessie has left us for now. I spoke with her recently and knew she had covid. and was living at Spring valley. My last visits with her were at Cottonwoods when she was about to receive her honorary degree. We trained together at R.I.H. and then worked together in Edmonton. She was my bridesmaid so many of my family remember her. I will pass on this sad news to her classmates. Sincerest condolences. Mona Sauer 250-762-7472