Bertha A. Massiatte

Bertha Aragon Massiatte, 63, of Houston, Texas, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021. Born in Laredo on March 3, 1958 to Jose and Vicky Aragon, Bertha grew up in Alameda, CA, before moving to San Antonio, where she met and married her high school sweetheart and forever love Daniel on March 5, 1977. The newlyweds moved to Houston, and it has been her home ever since.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend affectionately known as Bert, her name means “bright one,” and there’s no better way to describe the kind of warmth, joy, inclusivity, creativity and kindness that emanated from Bertha. She genuinely never met a stranger, and she always made room at her table. She loved to entertain, and she made every guest feel welcome, well-fed and comfortable. If she didn’t know you when you walked in, she made sure she got to know you, sent you home with leftovers and invited you back. Bert was a devoted Catholic who never lost faith, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges. A breast cancer survivor, Bertha wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, and she loved to garden, sometimes for hours. She worked at Southern Floral for 43 years, and she could get lost in Lowe’s nursery, picking just the right flowers and plants to create a little piece of paradise in her own backyard—a magical place where her grandchildren would play and friends could find respite any day of the week. One need not wait for an invitation, and she made it clear her door was always open. An avid quilter and crafter, she delighted in designing and sewing beautiful “just-because” pieces for her family and friends. She enjoyed reading books, crocheting and making mums for homecoming, too. Bertha adored her grandchildren, and she knew the importance of spending hands-on time with them, teaching them valuable life lessons and how to make things. She did it all with unparalleled patience, an infectious smile and a can of Big Red at the ready! A dedicated baseball mom, she raised her three sons to be humble athletes and leaders; fierce supporters of women and champions for children. She and Daniel modeled the kind of marriage that has become all too rare these days. To have witnessed their love and respect for each other, to see it up close, was to have experienced something special—a bond that their children and grandchildren will carry with them always.

Bertha radiated a realness—an absolute inner joy—that drew all ages to her. Nothing was more precious to her than people, not even her magnificent garden, which became the scene of a gazillion cracked cascarones, flying confetti—and lots of laughter—every Easter. Like one of the quilts she handmade with care, piece by piece, Bertha brought together so many individuals and showered each one in her bright light so they walked away feeling a certain warmth and comfort. She just had a knack for making folks feel special, and none of us will ever forget her or how she made us feel. As Bertha ascends to her rightful place, may we all find comfort in those moments and the knowledge that our dear angel is free from pain in the grace and glory of God.

She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Daniel Massiatte; three sons, Danny Massiatte and his wife Suzanne, Nicholas Massiatte and his wife Veronica, Adam Massiatte and his wife Gina; nine grandchildren, Mason, Summer, Maddie, Rocky, Avery, Nico, Molly, Addie and Athen; parents, Jose and Vicky Aragon; two brothers, Henry and his wife Delores, Joe and his wife Becky; sister, Mary Salazar and her husband Frank; and mother-in-law, Consuelo Massiatte.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 7, 2021 from 5-8 PM with a 6:30 PM Rosary at Pat H. Foley & Company. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Bertha’s life will be Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 11 AM, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery.

In honor of Bertha’s life and the beautiful gardens she tended, please consider florals from Darlene’s Flower & Gift Shop or a donation to MD Anderson Cancer Center.