On Tuesday January 14, 2025, Bertha J. (Fortin) Brunelle, age 98, of Dell Street passed peacefully in her home where her two daughters had been caring for her, but NOT before hearing the last words sung to her in “You Are My Sunshine”.  Her family and a lifetime dear family friend were by her side.

She was born on May 19, 1926, to Arthur and Rhea (Guilbault) Fortin.  Bertha was a lifelong resident of Turners Falls and once her roots were planted in the house her husband built, she wasn’t going anywhere.

She belonged to Our Lady of Peace Church, but when walking became an issue, she chose to stay home saying her rosaries everyday.

Bertha attended local schools, graduating from Turners Falls High School Class of 1945.  She worked at Rockdale Department Store in Turners Falls, The Giant Store (where Home Depot is) and retired from J.H. Smith Company in 1989.

Bertha took up brisk walking and went most every day, sometimes twice a day, and would resort to the treadmill if inclement weather.

First and foremost, she was a “DIE HARD RED SOX FAN”!  Staring way before winning the 2004 World Series! Always keeping stats.

Through the years, Bertha enjoyed many things such as a seamstress, a knitter, Polka dancing, round dancing, square dancing, ballroom dancing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.  Her pastime in her later years became word search and jigsaw puzzles every day.

Survivors include her five children, Dennis of Erving, Pamela Bessette of Turners Falls, Rodney and wife Cina of Montague Center, Joseph and wife Christine of Greenfield and Darlene DaCunha of Turners Falls.  She has six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren with one more due in February.  She also has a brother, Norman Fortin in Virginia and nieces and nephews.

Bertha was predeceased by her husband of fifty nine years, Joseph H. Brunelle in 2005. She had four sisters, Esther Ostroski, Dorothy Banash, Rita Sevene, Ernestine Laczynski and most recent Theresa Barilone; also a brother, Arthur Fortin, Jr. and her dear loving daughter-in-law Orilla (Cheverier) Brunelle.

Many thanks to Lifepath case manager and Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care.

A graveside service will be set at a later date.

A memorial contribution can be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 329 Conway Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 and Lifepath, 101 Munson Street #201, Greenfield, MA 01301.

You’re gone, but your beautiful smile and the love we have for you within each of us will live on forever. Another angel joining many. Rest in peace, Mom. Thank you for everything…..

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home.  For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.