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Tue, 31 May 2016 09:25:22 EDT

Story shared: Aunt Bertha

Mon, 30 May 2016 20:51:07 EDT

Bertha Mae Reed (April 5, 1921 May 24, 2016) First and foremost, I would like to thank all of you here today for caring for Bertha and participating in bringing our dear Bertha home. I would also like to specifically thank our cousin Sue and her husband, Mike Feller, for their support, guidance, and assistance in this special time of need for our family. Aunt Bertha was born ninety-five years ago on April 5, 1921 to our beloved grandparents, Walter and Estella Reed. Aunt Bertha was unfortunately born with severe disabilities caused by a traumatic birth at a time when little was known about these kinds of birth defects, along with how to provide proper on-going care. What was known was how to love someone and how to recognize what care could be available and what care was best needed. The disability left from the traumatic birth of Walter and Estellas first daughter left permanent damage that made living very difficult for her and for her caregivers at home. As Bertha became a teenager, rendering care for her at the family home in Northwood became no longer possible. The Polk Center, located in Polk - Venango County, became her home. There, trained staff and safe facilities were available to protect and care for her. Unfortunately, what could not be formally provided was care for her mother, father, sister, and other close family members who had to say good-bye. This support came from family members, friends, and neighbors who supported my grandparents and mother over the years, as they made countless journeys to visit Aunt Bertha, who was affectionately known as Birdie. As a young child and teenager, I remember these trips and personally remember people like Norma and Peggy Rice, Bernie Snellbaugh, Estella Bukett, and my mother who would take and join my grandmother on these visits. Previous visits were made by uncles, aunts, and cousins, including Harry Piper, Helen Reed Piper and their daughter Peggy Piper, to name a few. Those visits are still remembered to this day and a special place resides in our hearts for those who supported our family. My grandfather was a strong man, but could not often bring himself to make these journeys. The act of love for his family and paternal burden of giving up his daughter weighed heavily on his heart his entire adult life. I saw this burden often, but never fully appreciated it until I became a father and most specifically the father of a daughter who came into this world under harrowing circumstances. My Pap provided all of the support and guidance that his heart could bare. As often as it is, it is the women in our lives who are the strongest and who can render love and care at the most challenging of times. In addition to regular visits to her sister at Polk, our mother became a strong advocate for Bertha and other residents of Polk over the years. She wrote countless letters of support, advocating for the care and services provided for Bertha and others at the Polk Center. This was especially important during years when politicians, with limited understanding, would threaten to limit funding, much needed services, and invaluable care for individuals at the Polk Center. Bertha was more than a resident there, which was what my mother and all of us realized. She was part of the Polk Family, which was completely evident as we celebrated her 95th birthday with the outstanding staff and her fellow residents. The staff not only cared for Aunt Bertha and the others, but they celebrated seasons with them such as Halloween parties, complete with costumes, Christmas, and even an annual prom with lovely dresses and photos which were sent to our family. They maintained a scrapbook for Bertha with her photos at events, adding any photos that our family would send, including photo Christmas cards, to share with Bertha from time to time, along with our family when we would visit. The staff at Polk Center have strived to provide my aunt with as much of an active and normal life as possible. My mother and our entire family are most grateful for all of this care and special attention given to Bertha. For years, I watched and listened to the stories of these visits, as my brother and I knew that someday this support would need to come from us. It wasnt enough that he and our two sons share the middle name Reed. To be a part of the Reed family, we all needed to be part of caring for Aunt Bertha. Eventually, it became time to step up and support our parents as they made these journeys, and even more so when they no longer could. I made my first journey at sixteen and it left a lasting impression on me. I have been making regular journeys over the last ten years, and more in recent years, as my parents have dealt with health issues. Our most recent journey was just last month, as my brother traveled from Philadelphia to Ocean City, NJ to bring my mother to my home in Mount Airy, MD. Both of our wives, Amy and Dawn, traveled to Ocean City to care for our father who can no longer travel. From my home, the three of us headed out to Northwestern Pennsylvania to celebrate our Aunt Bertha's ninety-fifth birthday, as well as my brothers sixtieth birthday and an early Mothers Day for Jane, our soon to be ninety-year-old mother. This is a trip that we will never forget. The birthday celebration put on by the staff of Polk was everything that anyone would long for on their birthday. The Polk staff members treated Aunt Bertha like royalty and regaled her with music from a two-piece band, as well as ice cream and cake. We were thrilled to be a part of the celebration. Now, those journeys are over. Our dear Bertha is home. Her restored heavenly body and spirit is at home in heaven with her parents and with her family and familys friends who have supported her and her parents throughout the years. Her earthly body is home here today in Tyrone and will be placed at rest with those of her parents at our familys burial section in Baughman Cemetery. Life can be strange, and at times, a difficult journey. No one has experienced this more than Bertha Mae Reed, the beloved daughter of Estella LaRue Piper and Walter Adams Reed and the beloved sister of Roberta Jane Reed. In closing, thank you for sharing and supporting our family, not only at this time, but throughout the years. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you. Chris Klimas 5/25/16

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Mon, 30 May 2016 16:31:28 EDT

Bertha's 95th birthday party with fifty guests and a two piece band.

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Mon, 30 May 2016 16:31:28 EDT

Bertha's 95th birthday party with fifty guests and a two piece band.

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Mon, 30 May 2016 15:49:07 EDT

Jane and Bertha at Bertha's 95th birthday party this past April.

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Mon, 30 May 2016 15:49:07 EDT

Jane and Bertha at Bertha's 95th birthday party this past April.

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Mon, 30 May 2016 15:49:07 EDT

Jane and Bertha at Bertha's 95th birthday party this past April.

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Mon, 30 May 2016 02:38:36 EDT

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Mon, 30 May 2016 02:31:52 EDT

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Mon, 30 May 2016 02:30:51 EDT

Book of Memories for Bertha Mae Reed

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Story shared: Aunt Bertha

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