Bertha Mai Brown

Bertha Mai Pieper Brown, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, June 9, 2014. Bertha was born September 4, 1925 in Rexburg, ID, the oldest daughter and fourth of nine children born to Frederick William and Bertha Clara Meyers Pieper.

Bertha was raised in Pocatello, ID. As with many who lived through the times, she was brought up in a home that required the virtues of provident living, frugality, hard work and sacrifice. Much responsibility fell on her at a young age to care for her younger siblings and to help with cooking, gardening, canning, housekeeping, and hand-washed/wind-dried/ironed laundry. This engendered in her an indomitable spirit of caring and service that shaped her character and actions throughout her life.

Bertha graduated from Pocatello High School in 1943 and then studied Home Economics at the University of Idaho, Southern Branch. It was there she met her future husband, a Navy V12 Aviation Cadet, while working at the school’s lunch counter.

After WWII, Bertha married Robert Perry Brown on March 30, 1946 in Vancouver, WA. They settled in Everett in 1952. It was here she and Bob raised their family of four sons, teaching them to work, to serve others, and enjoying family picnics and vacations. Bertha was a devoted and beloved mother. Extended family ties were important to her.

She was active in the PTA, organized March of Dimes drives, volunteered as an election poll worker, and worked as a receptionist/secretary, beautician and test proctor.

Bertha was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was one of the last surviving members of the original Everett Branch on 16th and Baker. She served in various capacities, including Visiting Teacher, Compassionate Service Leader, Cub Scout leader, various teaching positions, Stake Missionary and served multiple times as president of the Primary, Young Women’s, and Relief Society organizations. As Stake Relief Society President, she traveled from the Canadian border to South Snohomish County, teaching provident living and caring for the widow and less fortunate.

Bertha touched many lives by her Christ—like service and virtues. She looked for the good in all and was non-judgmental.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: William, Ross, George and Dee. She is survived by her husband and sons: D.R., Donald, Dale (Shari) and Doug (Lori). She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and four sisters: Dorothy Paxman, De Niece (Alton) Alexander, Jacklyn (Richard) Alexander and Rita (David) Ostler.

Viewings will be held Friday, June 13, 6:30 – 8 PM at Purdy & Walters with Cassidy and on Saturday, June 14, 11 AM – 12:30 PM at the Everett Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9509 19th Ave. SE, Everett, WA. A funeral service will follow at 1 PM with interment immediately after at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Purdy & Walters with Cassidy Funeral Home, Everett, WA.