Bertha L. (Sawyer) Burdett

LEOMINSTER – Bertha L. (Sawyer) Burdett passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Sterling Village, Sterling, MA.  Bertha was born in Leominster on May 11, 1934, the daughter of the late Leo E. and Lena (Bedard) Sawyer. 

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Elbert J. Burdett and her sons Michael J. Burdett; Russell D. Burdett and his wife Kathleen, a daughter Gale M. Burdett all of Leominster, and a sister-in-law Mary-Ellen Lowder of Virginia.  She also leaves a granddaughter Katie Mae Burdett of Leominster and a nephew Thomas W. Sawyer and his wife Caryl of Virginia.

She was predeceased by her brother James T. Sawyer and grandson Gregory Maxim Burdett (AKA MRNVR).

Bertha spent most of her early childhood in the rural community of South Berwick, ME and often reminisced about playing with her friend Nola, returning to Leominster in 1948.  She graduated from Leominster High School in 1954.  Prior to her retirement she worked for Peterborough Oil Co.

Bertha was a member of the Leominster-Fitchburg Lodge of Elks #1237, the Lodges’ first women Exalted Ruler and served 2-terms; 2002-2003 and 2007-2008.  She also served as the Treasure of the Six Lodge Veterans Committee for many years. 

One of her greatest joys was preparing wonderful meals along with her husband to celebrate holidays and other occasions.  Family, friends, and friends-of-friends were always welcome at their table. While her family was growing up many a summers day was spent at York Beach, ME.  Her favorite pastimes were antiquing, exploring the backroads of New England, and road trips visiting family and friends in Maryland, Virginia, and Nova Scotia.  She was an avid reader and belonged to the Thursday Needle Crafters group.  Last and by no means least, Bertha was a good wife and mother.  She may not have agreed with what her children did and she supported them just the same.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Sterling Village, Aspen Unit and Trinity Hospice who took special care of Bertha in her last months.

A funeral service for Bertha will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 11am at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St. Winchendon MA. Please go directly to the cemetery. Calling hours in the Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West. St. Leominster are Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 4~7pm

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made online to the Mass Art Foundation, Massart.edu/give.  Use the menu to select Gregory Burdett Class of ’05 or checks may be mailed to the Mass Art Foundation, note Gregory’s name on the check to 621 Huntington Ave Boston, MA 02115.

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