Bertha Castelyns

August 18, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Bertha lived a full life and passed away peacefully August 18, 2023, two weeks shy of her 100th birthday. The family had the opportunity to be by her side and share memorable moments.
Bertha was predeceased by husband Adriaan ("Art") in 2008.
She is survived by daughters Toosha Houle (Denis) and Netty Cullion (Darrell); grandchildren Jason Houle (Amanda), Justin Houle, Michelle Houle (Ian), Ryan Cullion and Kyle Cullion; great-grandchildren Charlie, Rory, Taylor, Brennan, Sophie and Cameron. She was also lovingly called Granny by Suzanne Sumecki and Rachel Theus.
Bertha was from a large family of 18 children. She was born, and raised on the family farm in the Netherlands. Their family photo of all the children looked like a school photo.
Adriann, Bertha and Toosha immigrated from the Netherlands to Canada in 1951.
They settled in Armstrong, BC where Netty was born, and in 1954, moved to Port Alberni, when employment drew them to the valley.
Bertha was an avid seamstress. Growing up we could always hear the sound of the treadle Singer sewing machine. She made her own patterns and often made the same outfit for both girls. Netty would complain because Toosha's hand-me-downs would be the exact outfit she had just grown out of.
Years later Grandpa was in disbelief when he couldn't find his suit, and Granny had taken it apart and used the fabric to make a three piece suit for Jason's First Communion. (Jason looked very handsome.)
In her spare time she loved to do needle work, and was highly skilled with knitting needles and crochet hooks. She kept an immaculate home and loved to bake and cook. Bertha was famous for her Dutch meatball soup, and endless supply of cookies, which is still talked about amongst the grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to thank the Nurses and Care Aids at Echo Village for their utmost care and compassion to us all at this difficult time. Much appreciated.
A Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Notre Dame Church, Port Alberni, BC.