Bertha Barbara Paist

Feb. 5, 1V17 to Sept. 18,

2012 Bertha Barbara Paist passed away on Sept. 17, 2012, at her home in Elk Grove, Calif., in the presence of her immediate family. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Bertha was the daughter of the late Carl and Barbara Unrath. Bertha was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, J. Charles Paist, who passed away in 1VVV; her brother, Carl F. Unrath; and sister Alice M. Kirner.

As an infant, Bertha moved to Hatboro Pa., graduating from Hatboro High School with top honors. As a sophomore, Bertha was the editor of the school newspaper, Hat Chat, and was a regular contributor to the Philadelphia Bulletin column Hi-De-Ho. During her high school years, Bertha worked for Suntheimer’s Bakery and upon graduation worked for Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania for seven years, reaching the position of supervisor. In 1V58, she co-founded Grove Fuel Oil with her husband, Charles.

Bertha was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent and of the vMCA of Hatboro, where she volunteered her time at the vMCA Thrift Store. Her gardening interest included flRZHUV, YHJHWDEOHV DQG fruit trees, which always flRuULVKHG DW WKHLU KRPHV in Hatboro, Palm Harbor, Fla., and Elk Grove, Calif.

Bertha took pride in her special Philadelphia-style cookies — nut quiches, almond cookies, pizzelles, spritz and chocolate chips and a cheese pie (not cheese cake), giving them as gifts to friends and bank tellers she conducted business with. A favorite pastime was crocheting, which resulted in a large number of unusual afghans for family, friends and service organizations.

Bertha and Charles retired to Palm Harbor, Fla., in 1VV2 to enjoy snowless days and year-round sunshine. In 2001, Bertha relocated to Elk Grove, Calif., to be closer to family. While in Elk Grove, Bertha ZDV DSSRLQWHG DV RIfiFH DGministrator for Linda Paist Property Management.

Bertha is survived by her three children, Linda Dugan and husband Dennis of Elk Grove, Jay Paist and wife Kathryn of Omaha, Neb., and Harry Paist and wife Francesca of San Jose, Calif.; grandchildren Christine Amorose of Elk Grove and Jillian and Rebecca Paist of San Jose, and grand-dogs, Annie Dugan of Elk Grove, Figment Paist of Omaha and Harley Paist of San Jose.

,Q OLHu RI flRZHUV, GRQDtions in Bertha’s name may be made to the local animal shelter.