Obituary of Bertha Herman

Bertha Herman, 98, the daughter of David and Anna Herman, and aunt of niece, Devorah Boss, and nephew, Eric Steinberg, passed away on Thursday, February 27 at the Northern Metropolitan Nursing Home after receiving two years of devoted care from its caring staff, and spiritual comfort from the chaplain, Rabbi Jerome Berkowitz. Bertha fought a long and brave battle with melanoma, displaying grace, courage, and dignity throughout her painful ordeal. She was born on August 15, 1913 in Holyoke Mass as the second youngest of a family of seven children. Bertha was a devoted aunt to Devorah and Eric, who cherished her gracious, giving personality and constant smile. Although Bertha never married, she lived to be an aunt, a great-aunt, great-great-aunt, and, the time of her passing had reached the noble title of great-great-great-aunt. She was extremely dedicated to her widowed mother, Anna (Saffire) Herman. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Naftoli, Shloime, Pesha, Avrohom, Zimel, and her youngest brother Moishe, the father of her niece and nephew, to whom she was very devoted. During World War II Bertha ( Brocha) worked for the Springfield Armory, and later for the Springfield school system, retiring in 1980. In her retirement years she also resided in Albany at Atria of Guilderland, where she always received devoted care, especially by the van drivers who took her to see her brother at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing home, outings, and medical appointments. Wherever she went, people soon saw that she was an appreciative, smiling, and gracious human being. The years of her life were extended by the watchful care she received, both at Atria and the Northern Metropolitan Nursing home. She will also be remembered by her friend, Ann Eng of Wilbraham. Mass. May her beautiful Memory be a Blessing for her family, who reside in New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and Canada. She leaves a legacy and an example of honor to parents and family. Funeral and interment will be held in the Sons of Zion Cemetery in Chicopee, Massachusetts on Sunday. March 2, 2014