I'm still saddened to think of Bertha's passing. I very much enjoyed our weekly chats over tea. She was a very kind, intelligent, and beautiful lady. Bertha, I wish I could give you just 1 more hug! Please say hi to my Nana up there, you two Irish ladies would get along great! Love you, and miss you already.

Sending my love to all of her family also xo

I was so saddened to hear of Bertha's passing. I had the privilege of living next door to her in beautiful Lofts on the Bow condo units in Cochrane. She was the first neighbour to come to my door to welcome me. She was the sweetest lady, always beautifully dressed and a joy to be with. I will always cherish our cups of tea together and lunches out. She is now safely in the arms of her beloved Lowen who she missed dearly. Good night and God bless darling Bertha.

It is with great sadness that I write this tribute for Dr. Bertha Wilson.

I have had the privilege of knowing Bertha for over 25 years. I first met her while I was teaching in Okotoks when she joined our school division as the Deputy Superintendent.

Bertha quickly became a mentor to me, encouraging me to pursue educational goals with my students and my career. Bertha was a rare and unique woman. I found a person who was incredibly passionate about education and who had deep wisdom and vision. She was a fierce advocate for children and I quickly learned that her intelligence, drive, empathy and grace were just a few of her attributes that made her a standout leader, not only in her school district, but also in universities and in the province of Alberta.

Bertha and I worked alongside each other within provincial educational projects, university leadership committees, and school district initiatives. We had many long conversations on our drives to remote school communities in rural Alberta. While discussing issues that faced students and schools, we also had a lot of laughs and became fast friends. Bertha was very humorous and I will always remember how she would share her faith, her Irish roots, her love of Lowen, her husband, and the deep pride she held of her children and grandchildren. What always stood out when we travelled together was the immense respect Bertha garnered from all of those around her. When we attended provincial meetings, afterwards there were always line-ups of educators waiting to have a word with her. She was a gift to all who knew her.

Since Bertha’s retirement, we have remained close friends. I have enjoyed meeting her for lunch, going for dinner and going on wee shopping expeditions. There were also many dinners with Bertha and former colleagues. As she recounted shared memories, her sharp mind and quick wit would have us in fits of laughter. Bertha always looked at life through a lens of hope and happiness.

Bertha is a legacy. Because she was such a gift, we will all carry a bit of Bertha within us due to the impact she has had on us. I will miss her dearly and extend my sincere condolences to Alastair and Lori, Fiona and Grant as well as Bertha’s beautiful grandchildren.

Wishing you peace and comfort during this time.

Love from, Kathi and Luc Lalonde.

I only recently learned of Bertha's passing and I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to her family.

I initially met Bertha many years ago in the early 90’s at a CASS conference – my first one – she introduced herself to this newbie and I was immediately impressed with her manner and understanding of the challenges and strengths of the educational landscape. I remember that encounter as if it were yesterday and it set the tone for our relationship over the years.

Every time we crossed paths, she was always warm and welcoming, self-effacing and generous to a fault, gracious and refined; and, she remained true to herself. I will miss Bertha and I know the memories of her many contributions to education will live on through her colleague’s and her many personal contributions will live on through her family and friends.

May you truly rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to Bertha's family. I always enjoyed our visits over the years when she had hair appointments. She was a lovely person.

Alastair, Lori, Fiona,Grant and Family Members

We were very saddened to hear of the passing of your mother and grandmother. We have many fond memories of our associations with her over many years. Bertha was always held in the highest esteem by her fellow educators and she was admired for her dedication in various roles as a teacher and educational leader, who always maintained a focus on doing what is best for the students she served. We enjoyed the time spent with Bertha as a member of the Red Deer Lake United Church community and following her move to Cochrane. We cherished the opportunities we had to get together with her for lunches and engaging visits. Bertha was a wonderful human being, who demonstrated a strong Christian faith, caring, genuineness and dignity in her interactions with others. May you take comfort in many wonderful memories of her life well-lived. Bertha will be missed by many!

Sincerely,

Garry and Doreen McKinnon

Special prayers and condolences to Berthas' family.

Marjatta and I will always remember Bertha as a "classy" fun loving lady. She was a part of our LOTB third

floor coffee circle. We all will have many great memories of her stories of Ireland, and her many cruises with

her husband and children. Oh how she loved to wear her jewellery..and always matching her outfit she would be

wearing. Bertha will be missed, expecially by me, Lorraine Maloff, and Marjatta Laurell. I like to think we were two

of her closest friends here in LOTB.

Rest in Peace dear Bertha

Prayers for Bertha’s family, for your peace and healing!

Loved Bertha Wilson! What a treasure! She was such a classy lady, professional and genuinely caring right through all her active days and beyond! I have so many sweet memories of Bertha, while she was superintendent at St. Anthony’s school in Drumheller (where she hired me way back) and later when we amalgamated with Christ The Redeemer School Division.

Thank you, God, for Bertha Wilson, and I pray she enjoys a long deserved rest, in peace!

Where to begin.... I got to know Bertha in the early 90’s when school districts were being amalgamated. Bertha was Superintendent at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Drumheller which amalgamated with Foothills Catholic RCSSD to become Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools in 1995. And what a treasure she was to the newly formed Catholic School District. Bertha was always a refined, elegant, dignified lady but was so down to earth. Although she carried a position and title, she was always approachable and understanding. I think one of the most endearing traits of her character was the fact that she was able to laugh at herself. Bertha had time for everyone. I would often muse at the fact that Bertha could put 48 hours work into her school day but never seemed rushed or harried. She would give out hand written notes and cards to thank a staff member for doing something that was part of their duties. I admired her immensely and am so grateful to have been considered as one of her friends, especially in her retirement. May her soul and the soul of all the faithful departed Rest In Peace. Amen