Bertha E. Owen

SOUTH BARRE - Bertha Evelyn "Ginger" Owen, 89, of Bridge Street died Saturday, August 3, 2013, at her home with her family at her side. She had been in ill health for several months.

Born on May 11, 1924, in Wolcott, she was the daughter of Perley and Annabel (Norton) Bird. She attended schools in Craftsbury and East Hardwick and graduated from Greensboro High School in 1943. Ginger went to Springfield, Mass., and worked at the Garand Rifle Co. for a year before returning to Barre. She became a registered nurse through the Cadet Nurse Corps at the former Barre City Hospital. She was a staff nurse with time off during the births of her three children. Her last 18 years were spent at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin until her retirement in 1986.

During her early years, she attended the Congregational Church. She was a den mother for the Cub Scouts and assistant in the Brownie Scouts, a member of the South Barre PTA, treasurer of the hot lunch program for two years and member of the Barre City Hospital Alumni.

Ginger enjoyed cooking and playing cards and was an avid Red Sox fan. For several years, she also enjoyed vacations in Florida. Her family was very important to her and they always came first.

Survivors include a son, Darrell Owen of South Barre; two daughters, Nancy Pearson of Atlantic Beach, Fla., and Sue Owen-Lowe and her husband, Richard, of Morrisville; two granddaughters, Monica Pearson-Riley and Bernadette Pearson; two great-grandsons, Braeden Riley and Malakhai Pearson; a sister, Helen Billings and her husband, Lewis, of Hardwick; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ginger was predeceased by her parents; six brothers, William, Charles, Louis, Burton, Edward and Elmer Bird; and a sister, Iola Richardson.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 6, 2013, at 3:15 p.m. in the Fairview Cemetery in Hardwick. There are no calling hours.

The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre, is in charge of arrangements.