CROCKER Bertha Elizabeth
APRIL 21, 1927 – MAY 7, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved, Bertha Elizabeth Crocker, who passed peacefully away on May 7, 2020 after a brief hospitalization at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital. She was 93 years old. Cherished by many, Bertha was also known as Mom, Nanny, Nan-nan, and Aunt Bertie. Forever loved by her five children, Robert (Donna), Donald, Sharon Burry (Glenn), Lisa Bailey (Paul), and Alex (Debbie Hall); grandchildren, Donald Crocker, Alison Greenoff (Stu), Matthew Burry, and Mitchell Burry (Chelsea); and her precious greatgranddaughter Addie, who carries her Nan-nan’s picture around everywhere she goes. Bertha is leaving behind many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly. Also leaving to mourn with fond memories, her special niece and best friend Faith Squires (Charlie), who she spoke with on the phone every morning after mass and throughout the day sometimes and her dear friend Kevin Newhook, who gifted her with favourite romance novels over the years and kept her laughing. Bertha was predeceased by her husband Alexander Crocker (1995), her parents Robert and Amelia Fisher (Hussey), all of her ten siblings, and their spouses. Bertha grew up in St. John’s, NL. She raised her family in ‘Rabbittown’ and in later years moved in with her daughter Lisa, son-in-law Paul, and granddaughter Alison. Lisa was Bertha’s primary caregiver. Throughout the years, Lisa and Paul were devoted to Bertha’s care, ensuring her a safe and happy home. When Bertha’s health began to significantly decline, she transitioned to her new home, Cradea Manor. To Patricia Sturge and all the staff and residents of Cradea Manor, you became a part of Bertha’s extended family. You treated her with such care and compassion – truly making the last year of her life one that was filled with many new friendships, laughter, and so much love. We want to express our sincere gratitude to you for your loving kindness. Much appreciation is being sent to Dr. Kathleen Halley for her many years of dedicated medical care to Bertha, and Dr. Dennis O’keefe for following her during her last year of life. Many thanks to the nursing staff of Cradea Manor. To the outstanding nurses and doctors of the ER and 5 East at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, as well as the clergy who visited her during her last days; you were all amazing and allowed Bertha to pass with dignity and grace. We are forever grateful to you. Bertha was a woman of great faith. She enjoyed watching Mass on TV and looked forward to her daily chat with her niece, as well as many other phone calls from her children and friends. If you ever found yourself in a hard way, you could count on ‘Nan’s prayers’ to pull you through dark times. She loved to knit, read, and watch the news. But more than anything, she could not wait for her weekly Sunday drive, getting ice cream from Dairy Queen with Lisa and Paul, and having many family adventures with Alison, Stu, and Addie. Our favourite memory is going ‘camping’ at a cabin in Tors Cove when Addie was just learning to crawl. Nan-nan belly-laughed all weekend and adored watching her treasured great-granddaughter roll around at her feet. There will be no wake or funeral service due to the current COVID-19 precautions. Cremation has taken place as per Bertha’s request. There will be a private family service and her ashes will be placed alongside her husband. In her memory, donations can be made to St. Patrick’s Church or a Charity of one’s choice. Should you ever find yourself lonely or in dark times, simply ask for ‘Nan’s prayers’ and she will most certainly pull you through. Go now in peace, Nanny.