Bertha S. Hecker

WESTMINSTER -- Bertha S. (Vieweg) Hecker, 75, of Bean Porridge Hill Road, died Sunday, Oct. 24, at her residence.

She was born in Westminster on Sept. 24, 1929, the daughter of Ernest M. and Ann (Peeler) Vieweg, and was educated in the Westminster public schools, graduated with Gold F honors from Fitchburg High in 1947 and attended University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She graduated from Newton-Wellesley Hospital in 1951 where she was named Mary Riddle Scholar three successive years.

She worked as an registered nurse at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Burbank and for Seymour I. Nathanson, M.D.

She was a substitute teacher in the 1970s for Westminster Elementary School, chairman of the Red Cross Nurse Volunteers, coached Lunenburg HS basketball (1952-53), volunteered for 4-H, Scouts, softball.

An accomplished pianist, throughout her lifetime she played the piano for various organizations, most recently Gardner AARP, of which she was a member. Since 1976 she was an active participant in the Nurse’s Health Study conducted by Dr. Speizer at Harvard University.

Mrs. Hecker is survived by her husband, Irving W. Hecker; three sons, Karl I. Hecker of Keene, N.H., Steven P. Hecker of Fitchburg, and Harold W. Hecker of Gardner, a daughter, Arlene Hecker of Beverly; and six grandchildren. Her four brothers, Ernest Vieweg, Herman Vieweg, Walter Vieweg and Frederick Vieweg, all predeceased her.

HECKER -- On Oct. 24, Bertha S. (Vieweg) Hecker, 75, of Westminster. The funeral service is private. There are no calling hours. No flowers please. Memorial donations may be made to DVNA Hospice, 316 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420.