It is with great sadness that the family of Bertha Jane Genge announces her passing on May 2nd, three months shy of her 90th birthday. She was lovingly cared for at home by her family over the past year and a half.
Bertha is survived by her children Lewis (Beverly), Vina (Tony) and Isaac (Valerie); seven grandchildren Evan, Leanne, Charlotte, Nathan, Leah, Olivia and Luke; sisters-in-law Sadie Way, Cicely King, Estelle Way; step-grandchildren Stephanie (Frank) and Michelle, step great-grandson Cole and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Montrose and was the youngest and last surviving member of the twelve children of the late Augustus and Susannah Way.
Mom, or ‘Aunt Bert’ as she was known to many, was the matriarch of the family, passing along to her children and grandchildren the virtues of hard work, kindness, integrity and respect with which she lived her life. She managed the family business, Isaac J. Genge and Sons, after working as a teenager and joining the family by marrying Montrose, with whom she was married for 64 years until his passing in 2018. She served on the Flowers Cove Town Council for several years, contributing to the recreation enhancements of the town. She was a committed volunteer, and an active member of the Lioness Club. She received a commendation from the queen for her 50 + years of volunteerism. She organized the Terry Fox Run, and was always an active member of the committees of the Flowers Cove Winter Carnival, The Flowers Cove Come Home Year and Way Family Reunions. She worked tirelessly and without complaint, with focus and determination. She set a great example of a healthy lifestyle by getting up early in the morning and logging her steps around the town before tackling her day, which she did right up until the last couple of years. Despite her many activities, her devotion to her family came first and was steadfast and unwavering. When her children and grandchildren came to visit, she was sure to prepare their favourite meals, accompanied by a stock of everyone’s favourite goodies. She was a keen card player – an activity she enjoyed with her grandchildren, an avid hockey fan and a lover of old-fashioned Newfoundland jigs and reels music.
The family wishes to thank all the family and community members who provided help and support over the years, including Lavenia White and Yvette Way who with warmth and compassion, helped with care over the past several months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Terry Fox Foundation or the St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Flowers Cove. The funeral will take place on Friday May 7th at 2 pm, will observe Covid protocol and will be live streamed by Fillatre’s Funeral Home in St. Anthony.