Remembering Bertha Pedersen: 1929-2021

Bertha Pedersen joyfully entered into the loving arms of Christ her Savior December 4, 2021 at the age of 92.

Bertha was born on November 24, 1929, into the family of Knud and Sigrid Hansen – immigrants from Arendal, Norway. Bertha was the eighth of nine children, who lived in a tiny townhouse brimming with love and laughter. She grew up in the Norwegian neighborhood of Bay Ridge, NY and spent summers in the Catskills. She met Bill Pedersen at church – they married in 1948 and moved to northeast Ohio in 1952.

Bill and Bertha raised five children, Gail (William) Hawk, Carol (Stephen) Hann, Elaine (David) Tornero, Alice (Stuart) Smiley, and William (Katherine) Pedersen. They were blessed with 18 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren (and counting).

Bertha’s life was defined by her faith in Jesus and love of others. All were welcome in her home. She made room for everyone – using a ping-pong table as an extra dinner table or a cot in the furnace room if another bed was needed. Bertha made countless happy memories baking cookies, hosting Christmas Eve gatherings, taking trips to Disney World, enjoying family reunions, playing games, and starting silly sing-alongs.

Bertha made lifelong friends at Main Street Methodist Church in Akron, Laporte UM in Elyria, and McDonaldsville UM in North Canton. She served in the church kitchen, Sunday school, Bible studies, the FISH food pantry, hosting children in need with Friendly Town, and mentoring expectant mothers as a 20-year volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center.

Bertha’s funeral service will be held at Real Hope Church, 7641 Wales Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720, on December 18 at noon. To honor Bertha’s life, donations may be sent to Real Hope Church or Pregnancy Choices, 4500 22nd St. NW, Canton, OH 44708. Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com.