Bertha Ann Nielsen Sander

Bertha passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24th. She had been a resident of Cerenity Senior Care Facility in White Bear Lake, MN for a little over 2 years. Born “Bertha Ann Nielsen”, on January 3, 1926 in Zimmerman, MN, to Mildred and Rasmus Nielsen. She lived most of her adult life in the Twin Cities, but also lived several years in her beloved Colorado. Survived by 1 sister and 1 brother, Muggs (Marguerite Swanson) & Tuffy (Walter Nielsen); 4 children, Sandra Reardon, Denise Turnbull, Wayne Sander, and Guy Sander; 3 grandchildren, Todd Holen, Lucas Turnbull, and Jesse Turnbull; and 3 great-grandchildren, Brady & Gavin (Jesse), and Hailey (Lucas). The staff at Cerenity took great care of her and “dubbed” her, with much affection, as “feisty”, which is a reputation that was not unique to that group. Most people who knew her would agree and more. There are lots of stories to tell……….. Bertha was probably known best for her talents as a seamstress. She loved to sew Wedding garments and had the opportunity to perfect that craft in Colorado while living there. She made lots of clothes for her children, friends & relatives, and in the years preceding her move to Cerenity, she was known for the many baby quilts that she designed and created. But her talents were not limited to sewing. She also mastered other crafts quite beautifully: knitting, crocheting, and other types of needle work. And she was not the least bit intimated about knocking down walls and remodeling the homes she lived in. During her middle adult years she earned several awards by using her creativity to design and create annual “Poppy Displays” for the VFW of which she and her husband, Orville were members. She loved to have fun and make fun, and was well known in her later years by her friends and co-workers for the Halloween Costumes that she created for herself. Thankfully, because of her creative talents many people have some physical remembrance that she created for them. She was loved and we will miss her.