With heavy hearts the family of Bertha Rippin announce her passing. We knew we couldn’t have you by our side forever but we weren’t ready for you to leave us so soon.
Bertha leaves behind a loving family of siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She cherished her late husband Edward and knowing they have reunited eases our grief. We reap the love they sowed. Bertha will be remembered for many caring and fun moments, usually involving the best meals imaginable made by her loving and resourceful hands. Her granddaughters will remember times spent baking cookies and cakes with grandma. As for her pickles and cinnamon buns . . . well nobody has ever made better.
Bertha was a card shark, typically winning the poker game. And in grandmotherly fashion was sure to protect her grandsons from the Queen of Spades thirteen points by sending it off to one of her children. An avid fan through the curling season we all enjoyed finding out who was in or out of her favour. We heard her love of competitive games followed through to her days at the Welcome Mat shuffle board or floor curling events.
Bertha travelled the world with her husband and children, working as a nurse and making good friends from Comox to PEI to Cold Lake. She showed us that a steady hand, hard work and love make us bigger and better people; and that gravy and gardens help too. We learned to respect her resilience, particularly as she moved forward a strong and independent widow. We thank her friends at the Welcome Mat, Community Garden and Catholic Church for their embrace. While we mourn, we also cherish the time we shared with her and her presence in our lives stays strong. We will remember her with extended family at a private event this summer. Thank you for your condolences and support.