Bertie Sarah Morse

Bertie Sarah (Epstein) Morse, age 89, of Noblesville, IN, passed away on August 30, 2025, after complications involving a broken hip. She was born on February 26, 1936, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and spent her formative years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Following high school, Bertie attended the University of Michigan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and later earned her Master’s in Social Work from George Williams College, in Illinois.

After completing her studies at the University of Michigan, including a semester abroad in Mexico City, Bertie joined the USO and was stationed at an Army base in Germany, where she met her former husband (Thomas Morse) and welcomed her first daughter, Tamara (Vergon). The young family returned to the United States, and while her husband served in Vietnam, Bertie gave birth to her second daughter, Andrea (Dion). After the war they moved to the Chicago area.

Over the years Bertie had many causes that she was passionate about. She loved to volunteer her time at various places and was always willing to lend a helping hand where she could. She especially loved the Arts and found ways to serve at many events.

She cared deeply for others, especially those who were underprivileged or overlooked. She devoted many years of her career to serving as a social worker at Alexian Brothers Hospital outside of Chicago. Later, she pursued her dream of living in Sedona, Arizona, where she owned a women’s clothing consignment store. She loved Sedona and embraced the Southwest as her home.

Fiercely independent and always adventurous, Bertie made a bold decision at the age of 70 to sell her home in Sedona, purchase a 32’ motorhome, hook her car up behind it and spend a year traveling solo across the United States, while working at and exploring national parks. Acadia and Yellowstone were her favorites. Eventually, she settled in Indianapolis, to be closer to her family.

Family was always at the center of Bertie’s life. She rarely missed a soccer game, dance recital, or family gathering, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bertie is survived by her daughters Tamara (Mike Vergon) and Andrea (Dan Dion); grandchildren Kyle (Caitlin Vergon), Kelsey (Gavin Galloway), Eric (Haley Vergon), Lucas Dion, Kevin Dion, Nathaniel Dion, and Cassidy Dion; and great-grandchildren Barrett Galloway, Max Galloway, Sadie Galloway, and Selah Vergon. She also leaves behind many dear friends! She was preceded in death by her parents, Goldie and Martin Epstein, and her brother, Larry Epstein.

Bertie’s adventurous spirit, compassion for others, love of reading, dedication to being a life long learner, and most importantly her deep love for her family will be remembered always.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date, with details to follow.

In honor of Bertie contributions to her beloved National Public Radio are welcomed.

https://www.npr.org/donations/support