Bertha W. Tamez

Bertha Wilson Tamez died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. She was 101. Born on a train, Roberta Violet Wilson on March 24, 1917, decided early she wasn’t a “Roberta.” A child of the Great Depression, Bertha was a resourceful housewife who lovingly crafted mismatched pantry items into delicious meals. She believed in praying to God, cooking with lard and her real and abiding passion was her family.
She loved plants, converting her yards into colorful and fragrant sanctuaries she could be found enjoying with her morning coffee. She reveled in her family, catching a ride to visit at a moment’s notice; crocheting stockings, sweaters and blankets; and patiently passing on the tradition of making tamales and countless family recipes.
She is survived by her children, Gloria Perez (Marcos), Robert, Linda Garcia, Bertha Anderson (Benny); John (Velda) and Michael (Kristina); daughter-in-law Lodie; 15 grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great grandchildren. She is reunited with her beloved husband, Gregorio; sons George and Edward; son-in-law, Victor Garcia Sr; her sister Margarita; her brother Richard; her parents Francisca and Robert.
Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept.16 at Seaside Reid Chapel, with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.