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Bonnie M. Bertou (1954-2008)

Posted on December 27, 2008 by Shane Bertou

My mother passed away on December 27th from a pneumonia related infection in her lungs. She was 54.

On behalf of my family, I want to say “thank you” to everyone for their love and support during what was a very difficult time for us all. There were close to 400 people who paid their respects during her calling hours, and another couple hundred attended her funeral. Words cannot express what your presence, kind words, stories, emails, comments, voicemails, meals, flowers, cards, texts and generosity have meant to us. We are truly humbled and grateful.

Below is what I shared at my mother’s funeral. It was a difficult day for all of us, but I was honored to be asked to pay tribute to her.

We love you mom. We’re going to miss you like crazy.

Filed under: Friends & Family | Tagged: , ,

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23 Responses

  1. stem, on December 27th, 2008 at 9:47 am Said:

    man…i’m so sorry.

    we’ll be praying.

    “may the God of all peace guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

    Reply
  2. Brian, on December 27th, 2008 at 11:13 am Said:

    Hurting with you today and really at a loss for words. You guys are a little closer to my heart in a lot of ways right now. My friend shared some thoughts from I Peter 5:10 where we are promised the darkness only lasts for a while and then God will strengthen us. The darkness is the hardest but that’s where we as friends and family need to step up. Let me know what you need and it’s done… Love you guys…

    Reply
  3. JoshWay, on December 27th, 2008 at 11:38 am Said:

    We’re lifting up you and your family in prayer.

    Reply
  4. Kevin, on December 27th, 2008 at 12:09 pm Said:

    Your family is in our thoughts

    Reply
  5. Daniel, on December 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm Said:

    I can’t imagine. Shane, I’m so sorry.

    Reply
  6. Ashley, on December 27th, 2008 at 12:58 pm Said:

    Shane,

    I am so so sorry. I cannot imagine what you are going through. Please call us if you need anything at all. Matt and I and our church family will be praying for you and your family.

    Reply
  7. jess, on December 27th, 2008 at 1:51 pm Said:

    we are so sorry shane. our hearts ache for you guys.

    Reply
  8. Aaron, on December 27th, 2008 at 5:08 pm Said:

    Shane,

    My family and I will lift you all in prayer. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May God be your comfort at this time.

    Reply
  9. Cricky, on December 27th, 2008 at 5:09 pm Said:

    My Gosh!

    I’m so sorry! My Mom is the same age. Praying for you.

    Reply
  10. Mark and Andrea, on December 27th, 2008 at 7:05 pm Said:

    We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family and will remain so.

    Reply
  11. Adam and Joy, on December 27th, 2008 at 9:38 pm Said:

    We are so sorry. We are praying for you and your family, please let us know if we can do anything.

    Reply
  12. Heather Halstead, on December 28th, 2008 at 12:16 pm Said:

    Shane and Family,
    I just heard via email from Tim. I’m so sorry and can’t imagine what you are feeling right now. Please know that we are praying for you and your family. Anything you need please let me know.

    Heather

    Reply
  13. Holly Oneil, on December 28th, 2008 at 3:06 pm Said:

    sorry for the family i will miss her to

    Reply
  14. Shane Bertou, on December 28th, 2008 at 10:52 pm Said:

    I just wanted to stop by and say thank you to everyone for the kind words, emails, comments, voicemails, texts, cards, etc, etc.

    I’m sorry I can’t get to everyone individually, but please know I’m deeply touched by the outpouring of support.

    The family is doing pretty well, all things considered. We’ve been helping my dad make arrangements and begin to sift through all the business he’ll have to deal with in the coming weeks and months.

    Thanks again. I’ll be back on over the weekend to chat some more.

    Reply
  15. Stephanie Gossett, on December 29th, 2008 at 2:29 am Said:

    Shane and Cheryl,

    I am soo very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother! I will keep you in my prayers! I love you both so very much!! *HUG*

    Love,
    Stephanie

    Reply
  16. Mark Daniels, on December 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm Said:

    I worked with your Mom; and for a short while was her supervisor at NWCH. I remember what a delight she was to work with. She was friendly, honest, committed, and most of all, she always treated her patients and coworkers like family. Be proud; and take comfort knowing that she had touched the lives of thousands…

    My deepest regrets,

    Mark Daniels

    Reply
  17. revolutionfl, on December 31st, 2008 at 5:36 pm Said:

    I’m with ya brother. My dad died last year, without warning, at 52.

    Just take your time, and remember to breath.

    Reply
  18. Mike Clair, on January 1st, 2009 at 1:57 pm Said:

    That was beautiful. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. I miss you guys.

    Reply
  19. Shane Bertou, on January 1st, 2009 at 2:44 pm Said:

    Thanks Mike.

    Mom always asked about you and your ticker. So I want to pass along the same assurances to you that we did all her Cardiac Rehab patients and let you know that it was completely UNRELATED to her heart.

    I don’t know if that helps anything, but keep fighting the good fight man.

    Reply
  20. TheDeeZone, on January 2nd, 2009 at 1:44 am Said:

    Shane,

    I know it has been rough for you guys. My dad died almost 5 yrs ago. Praying for you guys.

    D.

    Reply
  21. jess, on January 2nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm Said:

    that was beautiful to hear. i have no idea how you kept your head about you so well. my grandfather died when i was exactly josiah’s age. tough time, but i wanted to tell you i totally remember him and how he played with us, etc.

    Reply
  22. revolutionfl, on January 2nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm Said:

    Son of a gun. I wish I had done this. When I spoke at my dad’s funeral last year, I spoke without any notes. Since then, many people have told me how much my words meant to them, but I can’t remember what I said, because I didn’t write any of it down. Bummer.

    Reply
  23. SGRWebster, on January 5th, 2009 at 9:14 am Said:

    My condolences, Shane. His mercies are new every morning.

    Reply

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