BERTHA BUTTERWORTH

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BERTHA BUTTERWORTH

Bertha Butterworth was born in Winnipeg on June 27, 1936, to Louis and Lydia Simkulak (née Schmitke). Through her maternal grandmother’s family, Bertha was a proud third-generation Canadian, with family roots tracing back to Wolseley, Saskatchewan.

In the summer of 1958, Bertha met Robert “Bob” Butterworth. By the end of September, they were engaged. Their journey together continued with their marriage on August 20, 1959, and blossomed into a remarkable 58-year partnership. Bob passed away in 2017.

On March 25, 1966, Bertha and Bob welcomed their daughter and only child, Lisa, into their family.

Bertha deeply loved and cherished her grandson, Max Turner and Max’s younger brother, Eli Turner.

Bertha had a deep love of history and travel. After their marriage, she and Bob made it a tradition to travel at least once a year. They explored destinations throughout North America and, every second or third year, travelled to Great Britain to visit members of Bob’s family. Their travels continued following Lisa’s birth. Lisa made her first overseas trip when she was only nine months old. Bob’s mother accompanied them on many of their journeys, creating cherished memories for the entire family. In later years, Bertha and Bob began travelling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and they formed a close and lasting relationship with a young woman named Graciela, whom they came to regard as part of their family.

Bertha was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, Robert Butterworth, her brother, Louis Simkulak, and Bob sister, Kersteen Bramham.

Bertha is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Lisa, her grandson Max, Max’s brother Eli, her sister-in-law, Shirley Anne Simkulak of Winnipeg, her niece, Nikolai Simkulak of Peterborough, Ontario, her nephew, Kieran Stutely, and Apollo, as well as numerous extended family members.

Bertha’s strong work ethic was evident from an early age. To help fund her college education, she worked at the Jolly Canuck in the basement of the downtown Hudson’s Bay store—a job she genuinely loved. Bertha was a waitress and always said that it was favorite job ever.

Following graduation from Red River Community College, Bertha began her career as a timekeeper for the CNR in its offices on Main Street, overlooking Broadway. At the CNR, Bertha found her passion working with numbers. After Lisa was born Bertha moved on to working as a bookkeeper at Burns Foods

In the late 1960’s Bertha joined H&R Block as a tax preparer and quickly distinguished herself through her skill, determination, and strong sense of financial responsibility. She worked her way up to become the company’s first female office manager, followed by becoming its first female city manager and then its first female regional manager.

In 1975 Bertha left H&R Block to establish her own bookkeeping and tax-preparation business which she continued to operate until 2019.

One of Bertha’s many hidden skills was that she loved not only discussing finances and taxes but also teaching others how to become more confident and responsible with money.

By the mid-1980s, travel had become more difficult for Bertha and Bob as the needs of their mothers increased. Bertha’s mother, Lydia, moved into Bertha and Bob’s home, where they lovingly cared for her for six years and continued to include her in family road trips whenever possible. Lydia eventually entered a personal care home close to Bertha and Bob’s residence. They faithfully visited her every day until she passed away on January 1, 1994.

After suffering a major stroke in September 2020 Bertha eventually became a resident at Bethania Personal Care Home where she spent the final two and a half years of her life and passed away on January 1, 2026.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Bethania Personal Care Home for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided to Bertha. Their kindness, patience, and dedication brought great comfort to Bertha and her family, especially during those times when family members could not be present.

The family would ike to extend special thanks to Elizaveta, Eli’s mother, for her kindness, support, and faithful presence, especially when Lisa was unable to be there.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre at 3030 Notre Dame Avenue. Bertha will later be laid to rest alongside Bob at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Bertha’s memory to Bethania Personal Care Home on Concordia Avenue or to the Winnipeg Humane Society.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2026