Obituary of Bertha Katherine McArthur

“And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from it’s restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?” – K. Gibran It is with heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother Bertha McArthur of Calgary, at the age of 85 years. Bertha was born on April 11, 1923 in Eastend, SK to O.B. and Marie Larson where she also attended school. She then went onto Business College in Regina. Bertha had many loves and talents. She was both an accomplished pianist and gifted painter. She has left her family and community a legacy of many beautiful works of art, including portraits of family members, and landscape paintings. Bertha was a lady of great dignity and grace and demonstrated this throughout her life, including during the last difficult year. She faced her stroke and convalescence with considerable courage and grace, just as she did living with the disability she experienced as a result of developing polio at the age of 2. Left to mourn are Bertha’s devoted husband Charles McArthur; son and daughter-in-law Don and Debra McArthur; and her beloved grandsons, Ryan, Justin, and Matthew, all of Calgary, AB. Bertha is also survived by her sisters, Inez Morris of Calgary and Nora Berkhaut of Kamloops, BC, and by many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street S.E.) on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Bertha’s name directly to the McDougall United Church Building Fund c/o.8516 Athabasca Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 1S1. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at the Father Lacombe Care Centre for all of the wonderful and compassionate care they provided Bertha over her last difficult months. In living memory of Bertha McArthur, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.