Bertha Belinda Sequeira

Bertha was born in Corpus Christi to Frank Rincon and Lydia Hernandez Rincon on December 9, 1954. She graduated from W.B. Ray in Corpus Christi.

Her husband, Ben, was the love of her life. She married Ben on May 5th 1973. They had a loving and committed marriage of 52 years. Their marriage resulted in three beautiful children, seven grandchildren and four wonderful great grandchildren, all of whom she adored beyond measure.

Bertha was the matriarch of our family. She was a beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, a friend to many and last but not least a loving GG.

Jesus Christ has always been her Lord and Savior. She honored her heavenly Father until her last breath. She was a devoted Catholic and was a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalene Church in San Antonio.

She was a voracious reader, she enjoyed mysteries and non fiction. Educating herself on history and current events was important to her. She was well versed in many subjects.

Watching her garden grow brought Bertha so much joy. Anyone who knew Bertha, knew that she was an amazing cook and baker. She would make world class Thanksgiving dinners. She loved to prepare food for family and friends when they were going through trying times. For example, she would precook full meals of pasta dishes, fideo, beans, enchiladas, and vegetable side dishes. She would then label each dish with detailed instruction of how to heat and when to add the cheese or other important ingredients. She loved teaching the younger ones how to cook.

Her baking consisted all kinds of breads like pumpkin and banana. In her younger years, she was the lemon meringue pie queen. Always baking beautiful, pies with meringue peaks that were light brown on the tips and she made them with a smile. Her pies could make the cover of any food magazine. They were delicious.

Her friends made her life complete. She stayed in contact with so many people from GNC and QVC who ultimately became lifelong friends. These were important people in her life. She spoke of them often to her family, her love for each of them was apparent.

She loved the thrill of a great find at estate sales. Her son, Ben III, was her partner in treasure hunting. They took this hobby to the next level!

She was also an energetic sports fan. She was never shy about supporting her favorite team like the San Antonio Spurs. Her laughter and whoops of support will be missed.

Animals were a big part of her life. She treated her pets like family even when they would sneak food when no one was looking. Like the time when she said "the best gravy base she'd ever made was ready for their Thanksgiving dinner". However, to Bertha's surprise their dog Apollo had evidently thought the same as he was licking the skillet clean. The best gravy base she'd ever made was gone! That Bertha was upset is an understatement. She forgave Apollo and continued to help cats and dogs that crossed her path. Her heart was soft for the needy animals (deer included) and showed her love, as always, with plenty of food.

Travel by cruise ship was a favorite mode of travel for Bertha. She and Ben went on many cruises. She loved to dance with Ben on the ship and stepping off at various ports of call for more adventure.

Bertha took time out of her life to be the primary caregiver for her mother and father in their later years. Her siblings are forever grateful to Bertha and her husband Ben for this selfless act. Ben never wavered in support of her decision to care for her parents in their time of need.

Her personality was that of a natural leader. She was vocal and opinionated in the most positive of ways. As such, she excelled in her career which included a position with GNC as a Regional Sales Director at GNC. She also worked with QVC for many years.

Strong willed in her faith and beliefs, Bertha was a beautiful force of nature.

Bertha is preceded in death by her mother Lydia Rincon, her father Frank Rincon and her brother Ronald Rincon.

Bertha is survived by her husband Benjamin Sequeira Jr, and her children: Michelle Fountain and her husband Daniel Fountain, Benjamin Sequeira III and Elaine Pedraza.

Siblings: Priscilla Briguglio, Frances Bentley, Frank Rincon Jr.

Grandchildren: Benjamin Sequeira IV, Carrie Barrett and her husband Calvin Barrett, Devin Trevino, Jude Trevino, Sean Trevino, Carlos Pedraza and Eva Pedraza.

Great-Grandchildren: Roy Barrett, Koa Barrett, Thomas Barrett and Xaryus Sequeira.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11th beginning at 9:00 AM, with a Rosary starting 9:30 AM and Mass following at 10:00 AM, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 1710 Clower, San Antonio, TX 78201.

Burial will follow at San Fernando #2 Cemetery, 746 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237.

The family of Bertha Sequeira wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Court and all of the other doctors and nurses at University Health who tried so hard to save her life.