Bertha Rose (Surette) Ptacek

Bertha Rose (Surette) Ptacek, 84, of Kentville, passed away in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville on March 19, 2026 after a battle with cancer and months of failing health. Born July 31,1941 in the Acadian village of Ste Anne du Ruisseau, she was the daughter of the late Jeremie "Jerry" and Regina (Meuse) Surette. 

Prior to retirement, Bertha worked for Canada Foods in Kentville as office manager. Bertha was a good natured, gentle and kind soul, a loyal friend and a wonderful sister. She had a love of nature and a keen curiosity and interest in poetry, history, wildflowers, birds (especially "her" cardinals), butterflies, and all God's creatures. She saw God in the beauty of Nature. Long walks along the trail were the way she started most days. She was a very good artist, but other interests took precedence. 

In her early adult years she enjoyed camping in the wilderness, fishing, and the great outdoors - especially lakes. She looked forward to spending time at her lakefront camper on the South Mountain.

She never missed the yearly summer reunions at our old homestead where she would connect with her parents, sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, and old friends. Children and dogs gravitated to her.

As a teen, sports and music were her passion. She played softball, "all-star" volleyball, and looked forward to skating on Eel Lake - though sometimes she had to settle for the pond our dad dug for us and our friends.

Seemingly endless summers were spent on Abram's River swimming, or in our 8-ft rowboat singing "Partons la Mer est belle".

As music became readily available, listening to the radio gave way to tapes and later to CDs. She sang along with Nana Mouskouri and knew all the lyrics! Her house was always alive with a variety of her selected music. Her favourite hymn was "In the Garden".

Bertha is survived by her sister, Lucille O'Connor (Andre Thibault), Ottawa, On; niece Denise (Randy) Peckham,  and nephew Allan  (Robin  Day) O'Connor both of Ottawa; great nephews and nieces Derek, Sarah, Aidan, Ryan and Kayla and a great great nephew little  Elliott, as well as many dear devoted friends who truly were like family to her. 

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Jaro (Jerry) Ptacek, and sister, Eleanor Surette-MacDonald.

A big thank you to all those who journeyed tirelessly by her side and supported her these last eight months, especially her devoted friends, as well as the doctors and nurses who cared for her at the VG and the VRH.

In keeping with Bertha's wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral service with livestream and reception will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Following the reception, she will be buried alongside her late husband Jerry in Holy Cross Cemetery, Kentville.

Donations in memory of Bertha may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.