It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Bertha Brandt (nee Klassen), at Hillcrest Place, Brandon, Manitoba, from this life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, a few days before her 81st birthday. Bertha was born during a prairie blizzard on January 24, 1941 at Morris, Manitoba. She was the oldest of five children. Bertha married the love of her life, Bob, at the tender age of 17. In the early years, they made their home in Winnipeg, but resided in Brandon since 1974. Bertha overcame immense hardship as a child and created a secure home for her family. She deeply loved her husband, children and grandchildren. An avid reader, Bertha could always be found with a book on the go and a cat or two on her lap. She worked very hard for her family and they are forever grateful. In the past years as she declined, we have been struck by her great inner strength, which we know will live on in each of her descendants. Bertha had a strong faith and we gladly release her to Jesus, who is very fond of her. Bertha was predeceased by her faithful husband, Robert Brandt in 2010, and a sister, Leona Sweatman in 2020. She will be sorely missed and is survived by her four dearly loved daughters, Cheryl (Sam) Gorham of Brandon, Donna (Barry) McAuley of Calgary, Kelly (Darrell) Wood of Okotoks and Debbie Brandt of Brandon; her treasured grandchildren Chris (Jeanette) Jaffray, Jared (Jenn) Jaffray, Melissa (Trevor) Berry, Tara (Ben) Put, Joshua (Jenessa) McAuley, Darcy (Barbara) Wood, Lindsay Wood, Jessica Wood, Graham MacNaughton (Jessica), Kelsey (Alex) Buchholz, Melody Tanner (Jayden) and Kristy Brandt; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Darlene and family, brother Ed and family, many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Words are inadequate to express our appreciation for all the staff at Hillcrest Place and their unceasing kindness and tender care during Bertha's 12 years at the home. The family will cherish Bertha’s memory privately.

“Mom, you’ve been calling for Dad for quite a few years now, wondering where he is – I’m sure your reunion is sweet.”

Rest in well-deserved peace, dear one. Your light will never go out.

If roses grow in heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there’s an ache within my heart
that will never go away.
-by Dolores M. Garcia