Bertha was born on May 3, 1918 to Louisa and Armand Sevigny in Oakwood, North Dakota. Bertha was the oldest of 13 children who were raised on a farm. Bertha learned from an early age how to run a tight ship. Her family knew that dinner was best served at 5 o’clock, clothes should be ironed and folded regularly, and that hard work was a way of life, especially living through the Great Depression.
In 1936, Bertha met her lifelong partner, Sylvester, at a barn dance in Grafton, North Dakota. Early in Bertha and Sylvester’s marriage they enjoyed playing cards, polka music, and dancing until the early hours of the morning. It wasn’t until her early 40’s and after celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary that they adopted their 3 children, Diana, Marvin, and Darlene. They eventually moved to Yakima, Washington where Bertha perfected her skills as a homemaker. She was an avid seamstress and quilter, enjoyed polka dancing and bowling at the Eagles, played cards with friends and family, and made it a point to be at church every Sunday morning.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband Sylvester, and 13 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children: Diana Kosmatka, Marvin Kosmatka, and Darlene (Jerry Rieker) all of Yakima, Washington. As well as her grandchildren; Jared (Patricia Holmes), Collette Holmes, Lindsey (Joe Smith), Laiken (Mark Gutierrez), Maggie Kosmatka, Jesse Beerman, and 6 great grandchildren that thought the world of her.
Bertha’s family is beyond thankful to all friends and family that spent time, shared laughs, and cared for her as age began to take its toll. A special thanks to Mary Bruseau (Heartlinks Hospice), Bonnie Kultgen (Quality Care Medical Clinic), Nancy Richardson, Joyce Hammermeister, and Don, Lily, and Tracy O’Bara.
A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, July 13th at Langevin El Paraiso funeral home in Yakima, WA from 4:00-8:00 p.m.. Services will be held at Holy Family Church on July 14th, at 10:00 a.m. followed by the burial at Calvary Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lepfuneralhome.com for the Kosmatka family.
