Bertha Isabelle White Befus-Burns

Passed away after a short illness in hospital on September 6, 2010 at the age of 85 years. She will be sadly missed by her son Dennis (Laverne) , Grandchildren Cameron (Elizabeth), Timothy (Liisa), Mark (Arron), Michael (Eve-Grethe), Lowell (Kari), Sarah (Kris), Brittney Burns and 12 great grandchildren. Bertha is survived by 2 sisters, Jean Reynolds (Kelowna) and Mary Stringfellow (Nanaimo) , 1 sister-in-law (Jean White) and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Henderson’s Langley Funeral Home, 20786 Fraser Hwy, Langley on September 18, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bertha’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Bertha was born May 3, 1925 in Calgary, Alberta. She was born the eldest daughter to John and Hattie White. She had 4 sisters (Jean, Kathleen, Lillian, & Mary) and 1 brother (Bill). Jean and Mary are the only surviving members of the family. Bertha grew up on a farm east of Calgary during the “Dirty 30’s” and times were tough. Mom often told us that the family was dirt poor and often there was a shortage of food. Even up to her death - she was constantly stocking her fridge and freezer to the brim so she would never be out of food.

Bertha left school at the age of 16 and worked for a short period as a sales clerk before enlisting with Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1943. After basic training, she was assigned to Suffield Experimental Base where her father was also serving. Due to her previous experience she worked as a store woman, tailoress and waitress during her Army service. Mom was very proud of her Army service and throughout her life was involved with many ex-servicewomen’s reunions and Veteran’s remembrances and celebrations.

After discharge at war’s end, she moved to the Vancouver area where she married Victor Befus. From this union, an only son Dennis was brought into the world. Dennis (Laverne) has been able to bless her with 6 married grandchildren and 12 great grand children.

Bertha worked very hard outside the home as a sales clerk and cook. Some of her employers were Woodwards, Pacific Meat, Hastings Race Track, Potter’s Distillers and Hazelmere Golf Course. Wherever she worked she excelled at her positions and made a number of lifelong friends. She was an excellent cook and loved to entertain and also catered on a number of occasions for friends and family.

After a separation and divorce, Bertha moved to the Langley area where she ran a coffee shop and gas station in Fort Langley, raised cattle on an acreage and finally moved to a hobby farm in the Willoughby area of Langley. She loved her “farm” where she had wonderful gardens, flowers and raised a number of farm animals including peacocks, bunnies, sheep, goats and miniature horses.

In 1992, she married Murray Burns. After retirement, Bertha and Murray were able to travel extensively with either their motor home or enjoy travel and cruises to South America, Hawaii, Greece and Alaska – to name a few.

In 2007, shortly before Murray’s passing, they downsized to a small 2 bedroom rancher in the Riverwynde complex. During that difficult year, Bertha settled in and loved her new “little house” and adjusted to new friends and neighbours once again. She remained living independently with a little help from family, care-givers, drivers and other health professionals. Her desire was always to live in her home until her death and not go into nursing care or assisted living.

Bertha was a gracious lady who will be long remembered and dearly missed by all her family and friends.