Diane Bertrand

Diane Bertrand obituary, Rockford, IL

Diane Bertrand

Diane Bertrand Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 17 to Mar. 18, 2011.
DIANE J. BERTRAND, 66 ROCKFORD - Diane J. Bertrand, 66, of Rockford was taken home at 10:42 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2011, at SwedishAmerican Hospital, after a two year battle with ALS. Born Feb. 11, 1945, in Rockford; the daughter of Joseph G. and Rose J. (Lundquist) Carlson. Graduated from East High School, Class of 1963, where she was selected as one of four women to participate in the ROTC program; and received her bachelor's degree in education from Northern Illinois University in 1967. Married Gary R. Bertrand on Aug. 27, 1966. Diane had a passion for children and was a teacher for 30 years, 27 of which were at Rockford Christian where she taught first grade and elementary science. She had an enthusiasm for nature and all of God's creatures which inspired her to compose songs and write poems to share with her students. Diane was a member of First Evangelical Free Church, where for many years she taught a children's program called "Mouse House" as well as devoting her time to other church outreach activities such as "Kid's Club." Diane loved to travel, especially to their home in Marco Island, Fla., and their cabin on Stormy Lake Wis.; she was gifted creatively and enjoyed interior decorating. Her dedication to her students, her colleagues, family and God were unquestioned. She was a gift from God to all who knew her and her impact on the lives she touched is eternal. The legacy she has left is one of a devoted Christian, a loving mother and wife, a gifted teacher and a loyal friend. She will be dearly missed. Survived by husband, Gary; children, Heather (Mark) Bergstedt and Chad (Amy) Bertrand, both of Rockford; grandchildren, Jackson, Cali, Jameson, Ethan, Foster and Garrett; and sister, Sonja (Frank) Beach of Rockford. Predeceased by her parents. Special thanks to her dear friend, Ann Johnson for her consistent and loving care throughout this ordeal. The family would also like to impart its gratitude to the ICU nursing staff at SwedishAmerican Hospital for their sensitive and compassionate care. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 316 Wood Road, with Pastor David Bates officiating. Private family burial in Arlington Memorial Park. Visitation from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 18, in the church. Memorials may be made to the family for the Diane Bertrand Memorial Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., 1001 Second Ave. To share a memory or condolence visit olsonfh.com.

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Sign Diane Bertrand's Guest Book

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April 11, 2011

Des Crocker posted to the memorial.

March 23, 2011

Geoff Oman posted to the memorial.

March 22, 2011

Debbie Knowles posted to the memorial.

Des Crocker

April 11, 2011

So sorry to hear about your loss. I just learned of this today. She was a great woman and will be sorely missed.

Geoff Oman

March 23, 2011

Growing up next door to Diane and Gary at Stormy Lake were some of my fondest memories. Diane's daily trips to Bonson's. Always having a "treat drawer" at the house. Not being the least bit afraid if we brought a toad inside. I benefited from the gift that she gave hundreds, even thousands of kids over the years. Thanks Diane for helping create the person I am today and I am so glad that you are with the Lord!

Debbie Knowles

March 22, 2011

I also had the privilege of getting to know and work next to Diane at Rockford Christian School. My room was right next to hers, and she and I would pray together through the years. She was such a encouragement to me. I count it a privilege to have known her! Gary, Heather, and Chad and families--I want you to know that I am keeping you all in my prayers in these days to come. May you continue to sense God's loving arms around you and give you "the peace that passes all understanding..." Debbie Knowles

March 21, 2011

So sorry to know how she had to leave this earth with ALS. . . but thrilled to be assured she is in eternal peace now. We will miss her and wanted to let you know what an impact she made on our older boys as their first grade teacher. She will always have a special place in our hearts. Bless you all for what you've endured!
Love, the Foxes; Chris, Jo, Jeremy, Jesse, JP & Tori

Craig and Dawn Lanquist

March 21, 2011

All FOUR of our daughters were very blessed to have their lives so richly impacted by Mrs. Bertrand at RCS. Her life has TRULY left an incredible Legacy...she will be greatly missed!

Bruce Hanson

March 19, 2011

Gary and family - I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you for comfort and for peace in the knowledge that God's ful glory is Diane's reward now.

Jodi Sorrels

March 19, 2011

Praying for all of you, knowing that your hearts will be heavy as you miss Diane. " Do not let your heart be troubled.... believe in God..."

Debbie Carlson

March 19, 2011

We are so sorry to miss the memorial service today, but know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Diane was always a gracious hostess and when you visited with her, she made you feel as if she had all the time in the world to chat and reconnect. She let her light shine and it is a blessing to have known her.

March 18, 2011

I was privileged to have had Mrs. Bertrand for my kindergarten teacher at Thompson Elementary School. She was so kind and made learning fun. I will never forget her.
Lori Jackson Creamer

March 18, 2011

Gary
You have set the example for the rest of us in the love,care,and time that you have spent caring for your beloved Diane. She was such a wonderful role model of acceptance as a teacher to our children in "mouse house", at Rockford Christian and as a special friend throughout her lifetime. Thanks, Gary for sharing her with us all! Praying for you and your family in this difficult time. Chuck & Sara

Ann Showers-Molitor

March 18, 2011

Heather and I were best friends in high school. I was over at their house constantly. Diane was one of the reasons why I became an elementary school teacher. I always admired her!

March 18, 2011

She was one of my all time favorite teachers at Rockford Christian of all time. My children totally adored her and learned so much from her especially about Jesus. She was amazing. We look forward to seeing her again in our heavenly home. Cindy Rodberg

Lindsey Funk

March 18, 2011

So sorry to hear of your loss. I was one of Mrs Bertrand's students at Rockford Christian many years ago. I am now 24 and all these years I have always remembered her warm spirit and gentle heart. I will always remember how she used to give out skittles for answering trivia questions right after school. :) She was a wonderful woman of God and is beaming in His presence now! May the Lord comfort you in this time.

Nicole Metcalf

March 18, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, I wish I would have had the priveledge to have met her. I was very lucky to have met her niece Lori Beach and if she was anything like Mrs. Bertrand I know your family is suffering a great loss.

Kelly and Cory Meyers

March 18, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Don Schmoll

March 18, 2011

Gary and family
We are very sad to hear of your loss and our prayers are with all of you at this time.
Don`s Welding Service

Beverly Hoffman

March 17, 2011

I am so very sorry for your loss. Diane was an angel on earth and will be missed by so many. It was an honor and privilege to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.

Noelle LaLiberty

March 17, 2011

Heather and family- My heart breaks for you. Heaven will be a bit brighter, more colorful and creative with her there now. I remember her throwing the best birthday parties for you growing up, and she made my boys love science in such an amazing way. She has left her ultimate legacy in you and your brother, as you look around your home and see how she is reflected in the little touches in your home, your life and you. I am sorry I can't be there on Saturday to give you a hug. Please know I am in my heart.

Don and Mechelle Greer

March 17, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary and the family! She is up in heaven with all of Gods angels. She sure will be missed.

March 17, 2011

Dine had the most wonderful smile, and and created expressions to remember for all those children at Mouse House at FFC - my children were all in MH. She made the kids all feel so very special, and her diverse interests and wide knowledge of subjects gave all those eager young minds an experience that was unique - as she was so uniquely gifted. She touched so many lives and left an impression of deep kindness through her faithful ministry. My deepest sorry for your loss. - Pat Largent

Penny Fox

March 17, 2011

I'm so terribly sad to see this! My daughter loved having her for a science teacher, and I always enjoyed talking with her when I saw her at the school. What a wonderful lady! My condolences.

Beverly Bergdorf

March 17, 2011

Diane was a true blessing to all who had the pleasure of knowing her and the world is a better place because of her. I was privileged to work with her at Rockford Christian and was blessed to watch her work with the children in her classes - she had such love to give each and every one to make them feel very special,and she touched my life in so very many ways. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Jeani Kann

March 17, 2011

I met Diane at a women's bible study series at Heartland Church in 2009 and, immediately, I knew what a special woman she was! From experience (my Mom passed from ALS), I know the incredibly tough 2 years Diane & your family have had due to this illness. But I also know what a strong Christian woman she was and she is now at peace with her Heavenly Father with no more suffering. May you all find peace in the wonderful memories of a life well lived for God. My heartfelt sympathies to your entire family.

March 17, 2011

I am Sandy Ackerson Carlson.Diane and Sonia lived across the street from my grandmother on S. 4th street and were my playmates when I stayed overnight at her house. Diane also worked at A.C.Thompson where I taught before I left to start my family.
I know she was a TRUE teacher in all areas of life. May all the good memories of her live on and on.

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Sign Diane Bertrand's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 11, 2011

Des Crocker posted to the memorial.

March 23, 2011

Geoff Oman posted to the memorial.

March 22, 2011

Debbie Knowles posted to the memorial.