It is with heavy hearts that the family of Loretta Claire Bertram (nee Biollo) announce her death at the age of 89. She passed peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of January 31st, 2025.
Loretta was predeceased by her dear husband of 68 years, Edward Bertram, only 40 days earlier.
Mom was also predeceased by her parents, Peter and Doris Biollo, along with siblings “big” Peter, Miriam, Frances, Elvera, Ramona, Delores and their spouses. She is survived by her brothers, Ray (Maria) Biollo and “young” Peter Biollo, sister Barbara Kemps and many nieces and nephews.
She leaves to mourn her children, Jeff (Jocelyn) Bertram, Dianne (Dave) Somers and Craig (Tamara) Bertram. Also mourning her passing are her beloved grandchildren, Amanda (Tom) Murphy, Jordan (Jenny-Lind) Lister, Ashley (Taylor) Bertram, Nicole (Jesse) Bertram, Rebecca Bertram, Alicia Bertram as well as great-grandchildren, Lucas Murphy and Emmersyn Murphy.
Loretta was born on October 21st, 1935 in Edmonton, Alberta, the 7th of 10 children. She grew up on the southside of Edmonton where she graduated high school at St. Joseph’s High. She married Ed on September 15, 1956. They lived in Jasper Place and then built their first home on Sunset Blvd., St. Albert in 1961, ending up at Ironwood Point where they lived for the last 25 years. Mom moved to the memory care wing at the Youville Home in July of 2024.
Loretta loved little children and they loved her back. This resulted in her becoming the first volunteer at Vital Grandin School in the early 1970s which ultimately led to a paying position at the St. Albert Catholic School Board office where she worked for a few years. She also held various jobs throughout the years including at the (then) brand new St. Albert Inn, the original Holes Greenhouse, and Grandin Flowers.
Our mom supported many charities throughout her life and had a soft heart for those less fortunate. She was also talented and artistic in many areas including poetry, painting and sculpting. She was a great home decorator and had an eye for fashion. She was happiest gardening and planting flowers and kept an enviable yard admired by many.
We are comforted in knowing that our parents are now together for eternity. We hope they are celebrating their reunion with a dance and a rye and water. May they rest in peace.
The family wishes to thank Youville Home for the kind and compassionate care they extended to our mother.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 at Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home (9 Muir Drive, St. Albert, AB).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope Mission or a similar charity.
Arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222