Obituary of Kersti Vontso Covert

Born in Tallinn, Estonia, Dr. Kersti (Vontso) Covert, MDCM, FRCPC, of Rothesay, NB, wife of Dr. William Covert, passed away at the Regional Hospital November 17, 2010, following a valiant battle with cancer. A member of the Hope Lutheran Church, she was the daughter of Valfrid and Elfreida (Vanase) Vontso. She is survived by three daughters Liara (Brett) Styles of Melbourne, Australia, Cristina Covert of Seattle, Washington, Sabrina (Dan) Woo of Kentville, Nova Scotia; one sister, Helvi (Tom) Price of Jackson, Mississippi; two grandsons: Nathan Woo and Tashi-Bonzai Styles. Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by one daughter, Karine Alyssa (Kari). Prior to immigrating to Saint John in 1954, Kersti lived briefly in Germany, Italy and Australia after having to flee from Estonia which was occupied by the Germans and Russians. In private practice of psychiatry in Saint John nearly 40 years, Kersti is also remembered as a member and assistant professor of Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Past President of the Saint John Medical Society, President of the N.B. Psychiatric Association and APPA (Atlantic Provinces Psychiatric Association), and nominated to be President of CPA (Canadian Psychiatric Association). A compassionate and conscientious physician, she will be sorely missed. She was a graduate of Simonds High School (Lieutenant Governor’s Gold Medal), Honours in Biology from Mount Allison University, Graduate of Dalhousie Medical School and her Psychiatric residency at McGill University. Visitation to be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, Friday November 19, 2010, 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A memorial service will be held at Brenan’s Chapel, Saturday, November 20, at 2pm with a reception to follow. Private family interment is to be held at Fernhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice. Either would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be placed at www.brenansfh.com.