Bertha Machovic

She was born in the Bronx on April 30, 1924 to John and Albina Holsan, and became a big sister to her brother, Johnny, six years later. They enjoyed summer visits to a family farm in Greenfield Center near Saratoga Springs, which Bertha fondly remembered. As a teenager, her father taught her to drive, which was unusual for a girl at that time, and continued driving until her early 90's.

She enjoyed sports and once bowled a 200 game, which impressed her future husband, Rudy Machovic, who she married on June 22, 1946 in New York City. They returned to the Bronx in the early 1950's where they raised their two children. The family enjoyed many vacations to Wellfleet on Cape Cod, the highlight being digging up clams at low tide which Bertha quickly turned into clam chowder (having brought her pressure cooker on vacation)! They also enjoyed visits to her brother's vacation home in the Poconos and spending time with his family.

Bertha was predeceased by her brother, Johnny, and her husband, Rudy, which prompted her move to Rockland County almost 20 years ago. She then enjoyed the time she spent with the many friends she made at the Congers I Senior Club and the Congers Homemakers. From knitting baby sweaters to afghans and sewing her 8th grade graduation dress (1st prize) to Halloween costumes, we were fortunate to benefit from her talents. She loved reading (audiobooks when her vision failed), chocolate, and spending time with her growing family, the youngest of which knew her as "Baba".

She is survived by her son Doug (Dorothy), daughter Barbara (Dennis), grandchildren Melissa (Drew), Lauren (Jason), Chris, Pete (Lauren), Matt (Sarah), and great-grandchildren Olivia, Ella, Avery, Emilia, Mackenzie, Lindsey, Callie and Connor.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 321 S. Main Street, New City, NY. A private cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bertha's memory to the Joe Raso Hospice Residence or a charity of your choice.