Bertha Louise Peach Durrell

She was born May 15, 2021, in Auburn, Maine, the eldest of Arthur W. Peach and Gladys Sawyer’s eight children.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, George Henry Durrell, her parents, all her siblings, as well as her beloved aunt, Lucy (Rideout) St. Pierre.

She is survived by her two sons: William Arthur Durrell of Plant City and Robert George Durrell (spouse Iris Earlene Durrell) of Wesley Chapel; three grandchildren: Matthew Durrell (spouse Silviya Gregory), Stephanie Mullen, and Robert Durrell; and four great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Mullen, Connor Mullen, Channing Mullen, and Valerie Durrell. She was especially close to her cousin, Jeanne d’Arc St. Pierre, and her nieces, Patrice Gilbert and Cheryl Bauer.

Tommy Mayo has been her beloved friend and companion while she lived at Gulf Coast apartments for the past thirteen years. They loved to eat at Red Lobster and Cracker Barrel. They joined their neighbors in the lobby daily where their collective wisdom regarding life events was often shared or sought during these routine encounters.

She married George Durrell in 1941. One year later, he joined the Army Air Corps and they moved to South Dakota. When he was discharged, they returned to Maine, where both of her sons were born.

When they moved to New Hampshire, Bertha worked at Sawyer Mills for 15 years. A coworker there, Margaret Upson, has remained her friend throughout her lifetime.

In 1973, the family moved to Florida. Bertha worked as a cigar stripper and screwer at Hav-A-Tampa for eight years and then at Standard Cigar Company for ten more. At the age of 68, when most people are retired, she went to work at Dillard’s department store. She continued there until she was 87.

Bertha has been a member of the New Tampa (Livingston Avenue) Baptist Church in Lutz for 43 years. Her devotion to her faith and her church were exemplary. She was a true example of Luke 21:2-4, as evidenced by her tithing for her entire life.

She travelled throughout the United States and Europe with her cousin, Jeanne d’Arc St. Pierre. They visited many states while Jeanne attended health care conventions. They toured Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, England, and Portugal and took a cruise in Alaska. She celebrated her 80th birthday in Paris!

Bertha had beautiful hair right up to the day of her passing. Velma Raston, her hairdresser and confidant, ensured that she was well coiffed for 45 years.

But it is her baking that has made her famous. The overwhelming consensus is that she makes the BEST brownies, whoopie pies, chocolate chip cookies, fruitcakes, and lemon meringue pies.

Bertha had an affinity to remain in close contact with her family, friends, and coworkers throughout her life. She faithfully remembered their special events with cards, calls, and letters.

She will be especially remembered for the excellent recollection she had of all the cherished events and people in her life. Right to her very last day, her memory was complete and amazingly accurate.

The family is grateful for the care and compassion she received from the members of AccentCare Hospice and the staff at A Country Place Assisted Living Facility.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Bertha’s life to your church or favorite charity.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at New Tampa Baptist Church, 14801 Livingston Ave, Lutz, FL 33559.