BERTHA PODJAN

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BERTHA PODJAN It is with sadness that our family announces that after a full, long life of 95 years, Bertha Podjan (nee Westfall), our mother, grandmother, auntie and friend passed away on December 30, 2012 at Tabor Home of Morden. Bertha was born July 18, 1917 to her parents Charles and Hilda (nee Lechner) Westfall of the 1-6 District. She will be mourned by daughter Diane (Al) and son Garry (Ann) of Winnipeg and son-in-law Harry Klassen of Brandon. She leaves behind six grandchildren Rodney (Marylou) Klassen, Shelley (Fred) Wiebe, Kevin (Carrie) Klassen, Ryan (Marie-Lynne) Podjan, Kelly (Mike) Berthelette and Shelagh McGregor. She will be sadly missed by nine great-grandchildren: Brett (Meagan), Laura, Stephanie, Jackie, Brittany, Paul, Alexandra, Xavier, Esme and numerous nephews and nieces. Bertha was predeceased by Albert her husband of 55 years in 1992, one daughter Carol in infancy and daughter Joyce Klassen in 1998, two sisters Lizzy and Linda and three brothers Ed, Gus and Herbert. Bertha grew up on the family farm in 1-6 and attended Lindal School. She married Albert in 1937 and they moved to Morden in 1943 to raise their family. Grandma had a strong work ethic which was evident in every job she had, including Turner's Bake Shop and Eaton's mail order for 19 years. She served the community and volunteered for the local Friendship Center and thrift store. She was a member of the Rebecca's and Hospital Auxiliary. Bertha was recognized for her volunteer efforts with a certificate of Merit by the Premier. She was a warm, kind, caring and generous person who did so many things for her family. She made each grandchild feel special and loved. We all have unique memories of time spent at Grandmas. Grandma will always be remembered for her baking and the joy she had in gardening. She was talented with a knitting needle and could sew or crochet anything. She was a social person who enjoyed Bingo and visiting over a cup of coffee. Grandma was the epitome of hospitality. Everyone was welcomed with a big hug, a meal or something sweet to eat. And no one would leave empty handed. Bertha told stories and loved to laugh. She was an avid Blue Jays fan and she enjoyed many of her retirement years at the Elks Park Place. We were all blessed to have known, loved and been loved by this one of a kind, beautiful lady. Let her rest in peace. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Howard Zacharias, Dr. J. Jackson and Dr. Azer for their care. Bertha was very fortunate to make Tabor Home her home since February 2012. We appreciate the supreme efforts made by all staff. The care was exceptional. In accordance with Bertha's wishes, cremation has taken place and a service will be held at Wiebe's Funeral Chapel of Morden on Friday, January 4 at 1:00 p,m. Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Tabor Home Building Fund 230-9th Street South Morden, MB. R6M 1Y3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2013