Bertha Wen

Bertha was born on September 6, 1932 in Courtland, California as the 9th of 12 children to Tang Chuckson Yuen and Bo Hon Wong Yuen. The family moved to Nevada City where she started school.

On September 6, 1942 (Bert’s 10th birthday) she, her mother, and an older sister joined the family in Oakland, California where her father had purchased two stores. Bert attended Oakland Technical High School, followed by secretarial training which led to her employment at the Admissions office of the University of California, Berkeley, where her manager recommended a career in education to Bert. She subsequently obtained a B.Ed. from Cal and began teaching in the Bay Area. Throughout her years in Oakland, she also worked at the family’s store.

Bert met the love of her life, the Reverend David T.Y. Wen in Berkeley, California. They married June 11, 1963, and began a life of service together at the Chinese United Churches in Calgary (1963-1968, 1971-1983) and Vancouver (1968-1971). After taking time to start their family, Bert returned to full-time teaching in 1973 for the Calgary Board of Education, enjoying a long career as a teacher at Sherwood Park, Elbow Park, and Buchanan Elementary schools until her retirement in 1997. After retirement, she enjoyed travel, her book club, exercise class, Tai Chi, hiking, and Spanish conversation classes. Most of all she loved and treasured her children and grandchildren.

Bert is lovingly remembered by her son Michael Wen (Gillian), and their children Ian and Mark; her daughter Frances Wen (Robert Tett), and children Alan Tett (Allyson Kotarsky), Carolyn Tett and Stephanie Tett; and her son Stuart Wen (Violet) and their son Kyle.

She is predeceased by her husband David Tao-Yung Wen.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a visitation held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

A private interment will take place at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.