Bertha Tate Nelson, 90, of Tampa, passed away September 29, 2018. Born in Nashville, TN, on September 30, 1927, Bertha moved to Tampa 80 years ago, where she attended Wilson Jr. High and Plant High schools. She received a nursing degree from Emory University and completed an additional year of studies at the University of Florida. Bertha is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, E.K. Nelson III. She is survived by her three children, Ed IV (Claire), Nancy (Bob Nathan) and Phillip (Mary); and her three grandchildren, Amelia Nelson, Logan Nelson and Robert Kouwe (Snezana.) Bertha was an accomplished sailor who loved to race (until she was 75 y/o), was a past captain of the Mainsheet Mamas and a past president of the Florida Women’s Sailing Association. She served as past president of the Chiselers’ and on the board of The Home Association. Bertha also was a member of the Junior League of Tampa, volunteered at Tampa General Hospital and as a Guardian Ad Litem. Bertha, a wonderful cook, loved her Kitchen Witches friends, a group who spent one day a month trying new recipes. In addition to playing tennis into her 80s, Bertha loved reading, drinking coffee, playing bridge and learning about antiques, but her greatest love was for her children and grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the Mainsheet Mamas for their love and joy—Once a Mama, always a Mama, the staff at Canterbury Tower, and all our friends for their support. A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 4, 2018, 4pm at Blount and Curry, 605 S. MacDill Avenue.
