Bertha Dean West, 80, better known as Aunt Bert, of McMechen, WV, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Liza’s Place.
She was born July 7, 1935 in Wheeling, a daughter of the late Albert and Elizabeth Reger West.
Aunt Bert was employed for over 40 years at C P, Bell Atlantic and Verizon Telephone Companies. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers; the Telephone Company Lunch Group; the WheelingHigh Class of 1953 Lunch Group. She was also a member of St. James Catholic Church, McMechen and the Altar Society.
Aunt Bert was a lovely, gentle person who was there for everyone. She was the Rock, a mothering nursemaid to her family and had a great love of butterflies and flowers. She will be dearly missed.
In addition to her parents, Aunt Bert was preceded in death by 2 sisters; Donna Gulajski and Nelda Ice; 2 brothers in law, Victor Gongola and Steve Gulajski and a great niece, Amanda Ice.
Surviving is her sister, Nancy Gongola of McMechen, six brothers; Gene(Dolores)West and Wesley(Dot)West of CA, Howard(Sandy)West of Idaho, James(Karen)West of Erie, PA, John(Sandy)West of Wheeling, and Paul(Cora)West of Bridgeport, OH; several nieces and nephews and her dog, Molly.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation. Services and interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Amanda Ice Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o www.tmcfunding.com
Arrangements by the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Benwood-McMechen Chapel, 214 Marshall Street, McMechen, WV 26040.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.altmeyer.com
Sorry so for your family’s sorrow and loss. Bert was alway doing something for someone else and had a heart of gold, she truly loved her family. She will be missed and I’m sure she will be watching over all of you.
My condolences to Nancy, Bill and Anita, and the entire family.
To Bert’s Family…As so many have said already, it was an honor and pleasure to have known Bert, to call her friend, to have been a part of her life. When she asked me to go to St. James’ healing masses I asked her if I needed healed. “No, but Nancy won’t go with me anymore.” Sorry Nancy, but it was time I really loved with Bert. We never prayed for ourselves, but I believed we prayed for each other. During my recent visits with Bert, upon leaving, I would say “Love You!” Bert would reply, “Thank You!” My last visit was Wednesday, December 9, at Lisa’s Place. I held her hand, told her all the gossip from our Christmas lunch, told her who was there, read the wishes on the card we all had signed and left her at 5:30 pm. Did she hear me? I don’t know, but as I left her, on her room erase board I wrote, “Love You!” That she knew! Geneva & Steve
Bertha was always so thoughtful of others, especially of other classmates and families. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Thank you for being my friend. I wasn’t fortunate to have your friendship till later in my life. Your seat behind me at St. James Church will always be reserved for you. I miss seeing you at mass.. I will never forget you!!
Dear Bert,
Thank you for the many heartfelt talks. Thank you for always asking about my kids and truly caring. Thank you for being so patient with Princess Barks a Lot and sharing new puppy stories– she stops every day at your house to see you. We will both miss you and always remember your smile!
Love you bunches,
The DiCola family
Aunt bert was an.amazing and strong woman who left footprints on everyones hearts. she will be dearly missed but forever remembered.