BERTHA HOOPER (KOPPEN)

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BERTHA HOOPER (nee KOPPEN) Peacefully, on Tuesday morning, December 28, 2004, surrounded by her beloved family, Bertha passed away at the Riverview Health Centre. She was 87 years young. Bertha was a truly devoted wife, mother (in-law), grandmother, great-grandmother, godmother, auntie, sister (in-law), cousin and friend. Bertha's independent spirit will be missed by all that knew her. She is lovingly remembered by her sister Nellie; sister-in-law Margaret and Alice; daughter Aleida (Bernie); daughter-in-law Cathy; grandchildren, Cheryl (Ray), Gerry (Deborah), Craig (Sandra), Michael (Dianne), Danny (Emily), David (Olivia), Jamie (Treiva), Jeff, Heather, Kathleen (Mike), Lisa (Dan), Barb (Dave), Helena (Keith), Sophie (Bill), John, Terry; as well as 33 great-grandchildren. She has many memories with godchildren, Pat, Bernice and Lorne. She cherished her numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Bertha will be reunited with her husband Joe; daughters, Josephine and Dianne; son Bryan; sons-in-law, Barry and John; her parents, Berend and Aleida; siblings, Ben, Anna, Morris, Bill, Maria, Wilhemus and brothers-in-law, Victor and George. Bertha was born on July 11, 1917 in Holland, MB. Her mother died in 1919 of the Spanish Flu at which time Bertha, Nellie and Bill went to live in the St. Boniface orphanage until their father was able to reunite the family when Bertha was 8 years old. Bertha grew up in Buxelles and Swan Lake, MB. Bertha married Joe when she was 22 years old. She lived in communities in Ontario, Manitoba and B.C. during her married life. When Bertha was raising their 4 children - Josephine, Dianne, Bryan and Aleida, the family lived mainly in the Elmwood and Fort Rouge area of Winnipeg. Although Bertha and Joe separated from each other, they remained friends throughout their lives. Joe died in 1994. Bertha worked at the Eaton's cafeteria (downtown) after which she moved to the Health Sciences Centre dietary department from which she retired in 1982 after 13 years. During the time she was at the HSC, she was a member of the Safety committee as well as Shop Steward of the local union. She was a very political person who was at strike headquarters in 1980 serving coffee at 2:00 a.m. She was also an active member of the Legion ladies auxiliary. She received a 50 year pin from her involvement with Elmwood and Fort Rouge Legions. Bertha was involved in many activities and committed herself to all of them. She loved the C.B. radio and attended many bunny-hunts as Boxcar Bertha, enjoyed a game of Bingo, she had been the president of the Kildonan Manor Senior Club and she attended the Poplar Senior's Club. Travelling with friends to try her luck with slot machines within and outside of Manitoba was a must. Bertha was always on the go. Bertha lived her life to the fullest until she was 86 years old when she had a stroke. Bertha was not a stranger to challenge and she also approached this stroke in the same way with courage and optimism - although we know this was probably the biggest challenge in her life. Special thanks to the staff at the Riverview Health Centre who made Bertha smile daily and cared for her with excellence, compassion and warmth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverview Health Centre. Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will take place on Thursday, January 6, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home. Interment will take place after the service where Bertha will be buried as prearranged with her husband Joe and daughter Josephine. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111 Family and friends are invited to sign The Book of Condolences at: www.gleneden-mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2004