Bertrand "Bert" L. Michaud

Bert was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend to many. His kind heart, outgoing nature, and humor, touched the lives of those who knew him. He was the cherished husband of Elizabeth (Carey Welch) Michaud and brother to Armand Michaud and wife Elaine and Anne Michaud. He was a loving father to Susan (Michaud) O’Donnell and her husband Mark, Maureen Michaud, Brian Michaud and his wife Kim Wilson, as well as a loving stepfather to Melissa Watford and her husband Leroy, the late Richard Carey Welch and his wife Thelma, and Cassandra Welch and her husband Michael Jones. Bert treasured his role as Pepere to his seven grandchildren, Matthew and Kaleigh O’Donnell; Kaylee, Catherine (Cat), and Jackson Watford; and Sean and Ava Jones. His close-knit family meant the world to him.

At seventeen, Bert enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was deployed to the Mediterranean. After leaving the service, he embarked on a long and successful career in the retail industry. In 1964, he joined Marshalls, when it was only a two-store operation.Ten years later, he left to open his own off-price domestics store in Wellesley, Massachusetts. In 1977, he was recruited to join a new start-up company, (the future T.J.Maxx), where he remained until his retirement in 2002. Bert excelled in business by doing right by his customers and his vendors, ensuring that he was always a step ahead of new designs and trends. He specialized in home textiles and rugs and was named 1995’s Rug Retailer of the Year.

Bert and Liz shared a love of travel, creating cherished memories with family and friends across the globe. Highlights of their travels include trips to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Portugal, and St. Martin. Bert loved living in Marblehead and was a member of the Boston Yacht Club, Marblehead Arts Association, and the Council of Aging (COA). At the COA, Bert was active in the men’s club and loved getting together with others to play golf, bocce, and curling competitions.With a twinkle in his eye, Bert was always ready with a witty story or funny joke. Bert was a man of strength and integrity.

Bert spent his last two years at The Mariner in Marblehead. He was well loved by the Mariner community for his ability to bring humor and camaraderie to those around him. While he may not physically be with us, his love, humor, and fun spirit will forever live on with those who were fortunate to call him family or friend.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Monday, April 7th, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 135 Lafayette St, Marblehead. Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Marblehead Council of Aging in Bert’s honor. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Bert's family.