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FUNERAL HOME

Adair Funeral Home - Dodge Chapel

1050 N. Dodge Blvd

Tucson, Arizona

Berta Gilbert Obituary

Berta Gilbert died July 27, 2008. Our Mom and friend, gone. We now face the "never agains" and "no mores". Never will we have another talk, or scrabble game, or long walk; and there will be no more loaves of fresh bread, pots of stew, and pies. This list of the experiences that make up our life with our Mom seems endless, and now it's ended. Our Mom was born, grew up and lived in Arizona all her life. She and our Dad (who died before her) lived through remarkable times, and we marveled at their outgoing natures and friendships everywhere; they traveled together and had wonderful adventures before he died. She loved the people of the world, wherever she was. She was generous, hospitable, caring, and committed to sustained, small acts of charity and kindness, although she never characterized her actions as anything other than just the way she was. Her home was always open, and people remained a guest for a very short time before they were family. Whether in her profession as an educator or as a volunteer, she touched hundreds if not thousands of lives. We will never know everyone she called friend and who relied on her for her spirit and encouragement. She taught by example and lived with a sustained fidelity to her values, and we can only hope to do a little of what she did. Our hearts are sad, but she would want us to rejoice in and celebrate her life well lived. She would not want us to sorrow in her loss. We would treasure your story of our Mom by remembering her in the online guest book. She would want you to recognize her by giving to a charity of your choice, and we honor her wish. Mike (Debby), Joan (Bob) and Pat (Rory); grandchildren, Matt (Amy and sons Morgan and Alex), Sada (David), Jon (Katie), Ramara; and all of the family, near, far and extended, offer comfort to those, like us, who will miss her. Please join Berta's family and friends and share a special memory at an Open House on Saturday, August 16, 2008, 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. at her home. Call 248-4938 if you need directions. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, DODGE CHAPEL.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Aug. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Berta Gilbert

17 Entries

Carole Barnes

August 14, 2008

Other than my parents, Berta was the most influential person in my life. She was a wise and compassionate listener: "This too shall pass" and "If it won't matter 6 months from now, don't worry about it". That was her advice when I was raising young children.
She mentored all of us who worked with her, unofficially of course. Her patience and acceptance of all children made her a magnet for kids, and her quiet, loving, competent manner was an inspiration for the rest of us.
Her generosity was overwhelming. She was a gracious hostess who made you feel truly that her home was your home too. My boys learned to swim in their pool on Wilshire. The pool was always open and we really appreciated cooling off in the summer and having time to chat.
Granny was infamous for her great cooking. She made the best waffles and bread. Whenever I needed to know how to cook something I could call her. I remember dozens of days over the years making green corn tamales on her back porch or Christmas tamales in my kitchen. There were times in the mountains playing cards, cooking and reading.
Berta was an avid reader and my own personal librarian. I didn't read much for pleasure when I first met her 35 years ago and she would pass on to me the best books she had read and got me hooked.
Berta was intelligent and a free thinker. I could always count on her to shed new light on a topic.
She was independent and I hated to see that independence compromised in her last months.
She enriched my life and that of my family in countless ways. She will live on in me forever. I so appreciate her love and friendship.
I hope the many wonderful memories will be a comfort to all her family and friends.
In gratitude and love,
Carole Ambroziak Barnes

Susan and Ed Lovejoy

August 12, 2008

Dear Joan and Family,
Your mom will always remain a friend in our hearts. Our love to you,
Susan and Ed

sharon thomas

August 11, 2008

Dear Jonny, Katie and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories comfort you.
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories...
Sharon, Scott, Sean and Boomer

Jerry Barkan

August 9, 2008

Berta was a wonderful friend and teacher. Berta and I taught together in the GATE program at Corbett in the 1970's. I believe she was responsible for teaching both Steve Schulman and me, the art of teaching.
Several years later I was asked to nominate people for a U of A study of giftedness and I nominated Berta as an example of someone uniquely attuned to others. As a result she was interviewed by another grad student who reported that after her interview, she had learned very little about Berta, but Berta had learned much of the interviewer's life story. It was classic Berta.
She was special. Those of us who were lucky enough to share part of her life will never forget her.
I hope her memory will be a comfort for her family and friends.

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Rich Barnes

August 8, 2008

I will miss Granny as I have Pops! Too many good memories to think about. I miss her and will cherish her memory always!!!!!

Todd and Nancy Richards

August 7, 2008

We were saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved mother and "granny". Please know that we share your sorrow and hope that your many wonderful memories will comfort and sustain you now and always. She left a fine, lasting legacy.

xoxo Katch, Scott & Kara Young

August 7, 2008

Dear Jonny, Katie and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep your Granny alive in your heart through sweet memories.

Bobbie Mulloy

August 6, 2008

I always liked Berta. She was a wonderful person. We will miss her.

Patrick Mulloy

August 6, 2008

Berta was my cousin. She was a great lady. I remember how nice and kind she was. She and Morgan let me stay at their home when I first moved to Arizona in 1979. I will miss her.

Lisa Anderson

August 6, 2008

Dear Pat & family, I feel lucky to count myself as one of those people who got to spend many a splendid evening around Berta's table many years ago, eating great food and enjoying fine conversation and laughter. She had a way of making each person feel special and important to her - a rare gift - and I am glad some of that great light shone on me as a young person. With warm regards, Lisa (Coan, Cooper, and now Anderson)

JoAnn Romero-Sutton

August 5, 2008

My heartfelt sympathy to the Gilbert family in the passing of your mother, Berta. What a wonderful mother, mother-in-law and granny. Her memories along with your father's (Morgan) will be remembered by all who knew them. They are together again sharing their times together while drinking a beer in the heavens above us. I worked for Morgan at Strauch's and remember the family fondly.

Matthew Harmon

August 4, 2008

Berta and Morgan welcomed my father (Charles Harmon) and I to their home over twenty years ago for a short visit and we felt totally welcomed and at home. During that visit to Tucson I fell in love with Arizona. Berta not only was given to hospitality but she was also a fabulous cook. I still remember her making us homemade mexican food, some of the best I have ever had. My father always felt a close bond to her and Morgan and always will. May you all be sustained and strengthened by the knowledge of how she lived such a full life that touched many.

In the Lord,

Emily Power

August 4, 2008

I will never forget meeting Berta at Poca Cosa in Tucson, I was so happy for Katie, that meeting Jon had created another wonderful family for her to be close to. I know Granny was greatly loved by Jon and Joan and I know her presence will be greatly missed.

Cathilee/Tim Sharretts

August 4, 2008

Please accept our heartfely sympathy in the loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful GRANNY and we send our love to you all.

Christy

August 3, 2008

Berta was my aunt. I remember from a young age how she treated us children as if we could think for ourselves. She would give us options, then help us make decisions on our own. She was one of the adults in my life as a child whom I knew I could talk to about anything. I will miss her.

Georgia Brousseau

August 3, 2008

I am saddened to read of Berta's passing. I first met her at Miles ELC when I was student teaching and knew her all through my career in TUSD. Berta was always friendly, kind, caring, and intelligent. I liked and respected her very much.

Steve Schulman

August 3, 2008

Berta was a great friend and supporter. I loved working with her in the early days of the GATE program at Corbett Elementary. Berta was "mom" to the younger teachers who were pretty clueless as to how to deal with kids. Her guidance was greatly appreciated. I also treasure our Friday afternoon get togethers at Berta (and Morgan's) house, sitting in the kitchen sharing a beer and unshelled peanuts. Berta was a real treasure and a true friend.

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