Obituary of Bertha C. Walters

Schenectady- Bertha C. Walters 102, formerly of Rugby Road, died April 10, 2009 at The Heritage Home for Women after a brief illness. Born February 4, 1907, the daughter of Harry B. and Isabella Vrooman Fink. She graduated from Schenectady High School in 1925. Bertha (Bert) married the love of her life, Philip M. Walters on July 29, 1929. Staten Island became their home for 43 years. Upon her husband's retirement, they moved back to Schenectady. Bert loved to travel and truly was a world traveler. She and her husband toured throughout all of Europe. Following his death in 1982, she enjoyed travels to Australia, Asia, China, South America, Egypt, and Northern Africa. She had visited most of our 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Her own unfulfilled trip was to Alaska. In October of 2006, at the age of 99, Bert gave up her personal home and freely chose to move to The Heritage Home where she could continue to live independently without the attendant responsibilities involved in living alone. She throughly enjoyed her "new home" with a trained and caring staff, and the companionship of the other women. A surprise 100th birthday party with family, friends, former neighbors, residents and staff was hosted at The Heritage Home. Assembly Republican Leader, Jim Tedisco, personally presented her with a NYS Assembly Citation, and read a Proclamation from the NYS Senate, via Senator Hugh Farley. Survivors, her loving sister, Loretta M. Brown , Schenectady, brother, Charles V. Fink (Eleanor), Midlothian, VA, devoted nephew, Thomas C. Brown, Ormond Beach, FL, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, husband, brothers, Harry and William, and sister, Beatrice Davis. Services will be Tuesday morning at 10 AM at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., ( at McClellan St.), Schenectady. Calling hours will be Monday evening from 6 PM to 8 PM at the funeral home for those who wish to call. Burial will be next to her husband in Viewland Cemetery, Rotterdam. Bert's sister Loretta, and nephew Tom, would like to extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the entire staff at The Heritage Home for their love, compassion, warmth, kindness and care given Bert. Special thanks and appreciation to Kathy Fernandez, Administrator, for her dedication, sensitivity, commitment and graciousness to the needs and concerns of all residents and their families. Donations in memory of Bertha C. Walters to The Heritage Home for Women, 1519 Union Street, Schenectady, 12309, would be greatly appreciated.