Berta Mares " Doña Berta " Ortiz

Berta Mares Ortiz, known affectionately as Doña Berta was born on August 11, 1927 in Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and she passed away on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the age of 92. Doña Berta is preceded in death by her husband, Balois Ortiz, she is survived by her five children, Roberto Bustamante, Minerva (Amina) Ortiz, Linda Ortiz Fitzsimmons, Ricardo Ortiz and Nuni Ortiz; her five son and daughters in law, Rose Bustamante, Michael Fitzsimmons, Mildred Ortiz, Kathy Ortiz, and Cecilia Thomas; eighteen grandchildren, two of whom are deceased; twelve great grandchildren and a myriad of siblings, nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances. She positively encountered people and made a lasting impression. These people were from all walks of life, ages, religions, colors and cultures and thank God she loved people.

Berta worked her way up from migrant farming, she worked in a factory as a seamstress and later worked in the making of fiberglass filters. Berta retired and then began work as a foster grandma at the neighborhood daycare. The United Way elected her as the Foster Grandma for their annual campaign and she appeared in numerous TV commercials and newspaper ads….. Our Star !

Berta was everyone’s favorite…why? She wasn’t perfect or special… or was she ? She made you feel comfortable as though you had just come home. Actually, there was one thing….her light warm glow about her, what was that glow ? It was her faith, her eternal faith. Everyone felt that special something about her. Berta’s faith and belief in God got her through everything. Her faith extended on into her family and helped each member get all the difficult times in life. Berta’s light shined so that everyone could see and feel it. Her light could be seen in her smile, her garden and in everything and everybody she touched.

Doña Berta, We Will All Miss You !