Bertha Elsie Stairs

Bertha E. Stairs of Hawkshaw, NB passed away June 27, 2010 at Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Born in 1920 at Temperance Vale, NB, she was a daughter of the late Bird S. and Susan J. (Cronkhite) Briggs. Bertha faithfully attended Nackawic Baptist Church where she was a Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Society and had served as Sunday School Treasurer for many years. Along with her husband Elmo, she helped operate the K. Stairs & Son grocery store in Hawkshaw for many years. Bertha will be fondly remembered for the many pairs of woolen socks and mittens that she knit, the many quilts she made and her open hospitality in providing meals and lunches to all who stopped by.

Bertha is survived by her husband of 69 years, Elmo; her children, Margaret Gunter (Wayne) and Edwin Stairs (Noreen), both of Fredericton; six grandchildren, Kelvin Gunter, Fredericton, Todd Gunter (Rupy), Oregon, USA, Quentin Gunter (Lori), Ottawa, ON, Mike Stairs (Lynne), Karen Stairs, both of Calgary, AB and Rob Stairs (Connie), Fredericton; eleven great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Pauline in 1959; a sister, Velma MacDonald and her husband Darrell; two brothers, Charles Briggs and his wife Alleyne and Haldean Briggs and his wife Ella.

Visiting hours were held at Flewelling Funeral Home, 585 Otis Drive, Nackawic, NB on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service was held at Nackawic Baptist Church, Nackawic on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Paul Thompson and Rev. Bob Johnson officiating. Special music was provided by members of the Palmer family who sang several selections, Dean Palmer who sang a solo as well as a duet by Rev. Thompson and Rev. Johnson. Pianist for the service was Pam Billings. Interment in Otis Cemetery. A reception followed in the church fellowship room.

For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Bertha, the family has suggested the Otis Cemetery or Green Hill Lake Camp.