Alberta Elizabeth “Berdie” Guthrie
Alberta Elizabeth “Berdie” Guthrie, age 74, of 222 North Chestnut Street in Mendon, died on Monday, August 15, 2011 in Blessing Hospital. She was born on September 30, 1936 in St. Mary Hospital in Quincy, the daughter of Joseph John & Mildred Frances (Wiewel) Neisen. She married Henry Eugene Guthrie on May 30, 1953 in St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mrs. Guthrie worked for the Unit School District #4 in Mendon for numerous years as a bus driver and also substituting in the cafeteria. Previous to this, Berdie worked at Motorola for many years. She attended Liberty High School. Berdie was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon where she was a member of the Altar Society. Berdie was instrumental on the board of North Adams Home and participated in the opening of the Home. She also participated in the Parents Without Partners Group. She was active in the Cursillo movement, the Unity High School Booster Club and was active in many school functions. She was a member of the Unity Nite Extension and was a big basketball fan. She has been planning Neisen Family reunions for as long as they’ve been held. She greatly enjoyed cooking, sewing and flowers having also worked part time at Flower Country in Mendon. She also spent much of her time at her grandchildren’s events and activities. Berdie was also “Mrs. Claus” at numerous events throughout the years.
She is survived by:
SIX CHILDREN: Sandra L. “Sandy” Lawrence of Quincy; Susan M. Holbrook and her husband Mike of Quincy; Bruce E. Guthrie and his wife Carla of Argyle, TX; Timothy A. Guthrie and his wife Carleen of Swansea, IL; Debra K. Guthrie and Cynthia A. Lynch and her husband Peter all of Quincy
ELEVEN GRANDCHILDREN: Corey M. Lawrence and his fiancee Karen, Andrew M. Lawrence, Christopher M. Holbrook and his wife Kesi, Jeremy R. Holbrook and his wife Erica, Jared A. Holbrook and his wife Katie, Brianna T. Holbrook, Zachary W. Guthrie, Kelsey A. Guthrie, Jack C. Guthrie, Samantha E. Lynch, and Ian P. Lynch.
FOUR GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Rush, Dennis, Bruce and Leah Holbrook.
THREE BROTHERS: Robert Neisen and his wife Rosella, James Neisen and his wife Peggy, and Kenneth Neisen and his wife Susan.
THREE SISTERS: Rosemary Metzger, Alvera Carroll and her husband Darel and Patricia Becker and her husband John.
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Berdie was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter Shelby Ann Guthrie, five brothers: Arthur, Orville, Earl, Donald and Norbert Neisen, a brother in law: John Metzger and a sister-in-law: Mary Lou Neisen.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 9:45 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:30 in St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon. Interment in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 4:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to North Adams Home, the Blessing Foundation for Hospice or to St. Edward Catholic Church.
Dear family,
You are in my thoughts & prayers. May your moms everlasting love comfort you during this sad time. Birdie will be remembered for her big smile and big heart.
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of you.
Aunt Berdie will be missed by all.
With sympathy to the whole family.
Chuck and Judy Carl
Always loved running into Berdie! Great dry humor and a smile! Sandy & Sue, I’m sorry that we are not able to attend visitation or services. We’re out of town. Hugs to all. Jill
My sympathy to the Guthrie family during this time of sorrow and loss. Bertha was involved in main activities and will be missed by many. The memooies of her involvement will live on.
My prayers will be with the family now and in the future.
Sister Janet J. Voss, CPPS
Dear cousins, I’m sorry I cannot be with you at the funeral. I am glad that I visited Berdie while she was alive. Take care and know that she is with Jesus without any suffering or pain.
I pray for you to be comforted as well.
Love, LuAnn
We hope all the good memories and new found stories get you all thru this time of sadness. I never knew Berdie not to wear her smile. She had a big heart and would do anything for you. She will be missed!!!
To: Sandy, Susie, Bruce, Tim, Debra and Cindy, My thoughts and prayers are with every one of you now. Aunt Berdie is and always will be my Aunt Berdie. I will always remember getting to visit with her at the reunion this summer and her smile. I will miss her. Love you all and my Aunt Berdie.
Grandma-
May you rest in peace and comfort! May God take care of you and keep you in his arms! Look down on all of us and send us your blessing! Give my sister a big hug and tell her I love her! You will be truly missed! Love you!
Kelsey
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
with my deepest sympathy,
Sherri (Wilma Sloan’s granddaughter)
Mother,
May you rest in peace and happiness! I love you and will miss you terribly. Give Shelby a hug & kiss for me and her mom.
Tim