Bertha Bodenheimer

Bertha Bodenheimer, 92, of Auburn, passed away peacefully at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House surrounded by her family.
Bertha was born on January 23, 1933 at Central Maine General Hospital in Lewiston to Abe and May Tetenman.
She graduated from Lynn English High School in Lynn, MA and from Boston University. She and her husband, Bob Allen, had three children while living in Lynn. They moved to Maine in 1957 where they had a fourth child.
Bertha was a volunteer in schools and various organizations. She was the first woman on the board of the Beth Abraham Synagogue in Auburn.
After her divorce she moved to Stamford, CT. in 1982 where she worked as an associate director of the Jewish Federation.
In Stamford, she met and married Bert Bodenheimer. They had a wonderful life together raising their blended family. They traveled to Israel, Europe and other parts of the world. In the late 1980s, Bertha, with Bert's help, sponsored 17 of her relatives from the U.S.S.R. to live in Stamford. Bert passed away in 2008 and she then returned to Auburn to be with her family and friends.
Bertha was an active member of Temple Shalom. She served for 6 years as president of Jewish Federation of Lewiston-Auburn.
Bertha's main focus in life was her family. She often hosted holiday celebrations for 20-30 family members and friends. Bertha touched the lives of many people with her huge smile and twinkle in her eyes.
Her homes were always comfortable and always filled with love and warmth.
Bertha was predeceased by her parents, her brother Seymour and her husband Bert.
She is survived by her loving family - Sons, Michael Allen, Don Allen (Dianne Cote) David Allen (Anne), Andrew Bodenheimer (Sharon), Daughters Cindy Allen, Brenda Zlatin (Avi), Carol Alberts (Seth), Grandchildren Josh Allen (Clara) Jessica Berk, Jacob Allen, Adam Allen (Nicole), Elyse Burritt (Chris),Ian Bodenheimer, Michael Zlatin, Eitan Zlatin, Han Alberts, Jack Alberts, Naomi Alberts, Great- Grandsons Noah Soto, Chase Fumarola, Nephews Scott (Michael Kinara) and Marc Tetenman, Great-grand nephews and niece, Jeremy, Jake and Betsy Tetenman, Brother Stanley Tetenman (Cathy), Daughter-in-law Linda Emmons (Will) and her dear friend Estelle Rubinstein.
In April Bertha wrote a note ending with this thought: "I always felt I loved deeply and was loved in return by my especially wonderful family." She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at the ICU at Maine Medical Center and the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.
A funeral service will be held at Temple Shalom Synagogue, 74 Bradman St., Auburn, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Beth Abraham Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Bertha's memory to Temple Shalom, PO Box 3315, Auburn, ME 04212-3315 or Gather to Grow Food Pantry, 208 Bates St., Lewiston, ME 04240.
Bertha's daughter-in-law Anne Allen writes -
Bertha was, in every sense, the quintessential grandmother. She loved us, her family beyond belief - not just in words, but in countless ways in which she expressed that love. She remembered birthdays and special occasions and was consistent about reminding us so we could also reach out and make each other feel special and loved. She easily offered words of comfort and encouragement. She shared stories and experiences and made people feel appreciated and cared for. Bertha's love was steady and genuine and never ending. She was forgiving and graceful and admired. She was strong, intelligent and funny. She was our everything.
Her deep passion for her Jewish faith guided every part of her life. Her faith wasn't something she practiced only on special occasions - it was part of who she was, shaping the way she treated others, the warmth she shared, and the hope she carried in her heart. She had an unshakable love for Israel, and she took great pride in her heritage and her community. Her faith gave her strength and purpose, and she strived to pass those values on to her children and grandchildren with joy and devotion.
Bertha's pride in her family was unsurmountable. Nothing made her happier than seeing her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews thrive. She celebrated every achievement - big or small - with genuine excitement, and she was always there to offer encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love.
She also had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cared for. Whether you were family, a friend, or even someone she had just met, Bertha had a warmth that made you feel at home. Her door was always open, her advice always sincere, and her hugs always healing.
Bertha was also known for her honesty - she spoke her mind and told you what she thought, even when it wasn't what you wanted to hear. But even when she was critical, it always came from a place of love. Her intention was never to hurt, but to help, to guide, and to make you her version of better. Her honesty was one of the purest reflections of her care.
Beyond her family, Bertha led a rich and vibrant life. She cherished her lifelong friendships, many of which spanned decades. Her friends were an extension of her family - she nurtured those bonds with laughter, loyalty, and love.
Bertha had a deep thirst for learning; she was always curious about the world, eager to listen and grow. She was a ferocious reader. She enjoyed bridge, mahjong and Scrabble, not only for the games themselves but for the joy of the company that came with them.
She also dedicated countless years to volunteering, giving freely of her time and heart. Whether it was supporting her synagogue, Jewish Federation, or charitable causes, Bertha's generosity touched countless lives. She believed deeply in giving back and making the world around her a little bit better - and she truly did.
To her family, Bertha was the heart - the steady center of our lives. She built a home filled with laughter, faith, and love. Bertha's legacy lives on in all of us - in her children, her grandchildren, her friends, and in every person fortunate enough to have been touched by her kindness and strength.
Though our hearts are heavy today, we find comfort in knowing that her love continues to surround us.
Bertha, thank you for your love, your wisdom, your faith, and your endless example of knowing that family is everything. You will be missed more than words can ever express, but your memory - and your spirit - will forever be a blessing.
May you rest in peace, embraced by the love you gave so freely.