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REAL Tribute – Delores J. Bertha

Delores J. Bertha

Born September 15, 1933

Died August 25, 2017

I was given the gift of life and now I have to give it back.

This is hard but I was a blessed woman who led a blessed life, and for this I am grateful. I’ve lived a life full of love, family and fun. I was lucky enough to have my husband Ed by my side for 63 years. Those years had their ups and downs, as any marriage does, but his love proved to be unending. Oh I wasn’t always easy and I know my copiloting his driving drove him crazy, but that was the beauty of marriage. Learning to work together through tough times and good. And believe me, this past year and a half of suffering was not easy on me nor my dear Ed, but my lovely stood by me, showing me such tenderness.

Life gave me 3 children which were my second love; Ed Bertha Jr, Dale Bertha and Tammy Kedzierski. I loved the times with Ed Jr. and his family in Florida watching him grow as an entrepreneur, the pride my son Dale gave me serving his country and the unwavering support Tammy showed through it all. I really cherished our family vacations. It gave us time to walk away from the “everyday stuff”, dig our toes in the sand, fish, build fires, and most of all, create memories. Tammy’s husband David was a welcome part of the family as he had a great sense of humor, mostly at my expense. While I was able to share many life lessons along the way, I am not sure that my children understood them all; but they will in time.

My grandchildren provided immeasurable joy. Michael, Charlotte, Bristol, Amanda and Jacob. How special you were to me. Each of you so different, but oh how I loved you all the same…abundantly. And my dear Sarah, who I welcomed into our family to love my grandson Michael. And you two gave me a new bundle of joy, Addie, as did Charlotte with Channing. And my baby brother Chuck and his wife Wanda gave us their own life lessons. What tenderness and unending love they gave to me. And my late little sister Mary Jane. While we were on opposite coasts we were close at heart. We will be cooking and sharing recipes again my beloved sister.

Though I may not physically be with you all any longer, I will walk with you every day, I promise. I will live on in all that you have learned from me. . . . Importance of family, giving your time to volunteer, pride in your country and those that serve it, and how to be strong to fight whatever life doles out, right to the end. I had to go now; it was my time. I am no longer in pain and I am with the Lord and my family and friends that have gone before me. This gives me great joy and comfort. Be kind to the world, as there are many souls who are in need of that tenderness.

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