Bertha and I had sons that served in Kentucky boot camp together that is where I met her sorry for your loss my last name was Arlene highsmith then my last name is now brown

I wish I had enough words to thank you for all that you did for my Mom. Thank you for being her sister, her second Mother and her best friend all in one. I know she’s really missing you right now. She’s been telling me every day how much you helped her, how much you listened to her and how you were the only one who understood her. Prior to Covid 2020, it was always Sundays at my Tia’s house. She’d go visit you, talk to you or run errands with you. These two have been family for almost 45 years. Their own precious bond that they had and I thank you for being there for her as a sister, mother and best friend. You two never let me take pictures but I’m thankful for these little moments I was able to capture. She misses you, Tia. And these past few weeks she revisits all your memories with her and how much you truly meant to her. But this you knew. She loves you and she misses you. 

On March 16, 2023 Heaven gained another Angel. My Tia Bertha is able to rest. You lived an amazing 90 years, Tia. I loved you. I hope you knew it from the letters, through my words, by the sound of my voice, that I loved having you as my Aunt. Though we braced ourselves and I was blessed to say goodbye, it still hurts. It’s hard to cope with your loss. I’ve had you my whole life. You were next to my Mom when I took my first breath. You helped my Dad name me. We joked that I was so much like you and truly, what an honor that is. You were a strong, independent warrior of a woman, breaking barriers before my time. I miss your voice and your smile already. I miss your little kiss. I miss your “mamita” in every sentence you spoke to me. I truly truly cannot fathom that I won’t see you anymore. I can’t. I can’t.  There’s no more Sunday visits, no more lemon and guava picking, no more birthday singing to me, no more newspaper clippings you saved, no more of your desserts and no more “babosa”. (When she thought someone was silly she would say “babosa” with a laugh at the end.) Selfishly, I just wanted more time. But God knows you fought so hard and for so long and you are finally resting and young again. “I’ll see you. I love you.”

How should I start? Well, Bertha was my Aunt in-law. Someone my wife and Mother in-law deeply admired and respected. She was very gracious having me become part of the family and I'm so grateful that she was able to attend
my wedding. You knew she was having a blast dancing and enjoying the festivities. Whenever she would see me she'd embrace me with a big beautiful hug and smile. She was so pleasant to be around. When my daughters finally 
came around she was so emotional 
and loving. You could see it in her 
eyes how much she loved holding and cradling them. I'm deeply 
saddened with her passing, especially for my Mother in-law. 
They had a special bond for almost 45 years. All the advice and 
mentorship she provided her didn't 
go unnoticed, especially when she provided the name Alene Suzanne 
for her first daughter. Also, for her 
daughter's to seek nothing but the 
best education they could get. They all now have highly respectable jobs. Thank you Aunt Bertha for your senior dinners. Showing me your turtle. Letting my daughter, 
Winter wonder through your 
house. Thank you for seeing the good in me to be the best husband 
and father. You'll forever be missed and never forgotten.


I still remember at Alenes wedding, you flirting with me more than any girl! You were always so nice to me the few times that we did get to see each other. I pray that you keep a watch over the Masse girls and protect them. Safe travels Tia, Que dios te bendiga.

My deepest condolences for your loss.  Mom and I send our love and prayers - Sally and Vailani Perreira 🙏🏼🙏🏼

OBITUARY

Bertha Navarette Tineo

March 4, 1933 – March 16, 2023

McAulay & Wallace Mortuary

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