Mary L. Bertke

Mary Lewis Bertke, 92, passed away peacefully with family by her side September 7th, 2021 in Cincinnati Ohio. Mary was the daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Lewis. She is survived by her brother Charles (Anita) Lewis and sister Margaret Tellep, her three sons, Frank (Cindy) Bertke, Charles (Karen) Bertke, and Daniel (Lisa) Bertke. She absolutely adored her six grandchildren, Katherine (Ben) Ohlander, Carolyn Harvey, Ryan (Katheryn) Bertke, Jacob Bertke, Jenna (Kevin) Shallcross, Alexandra Bertke, and two step grandchildren, Jarett and Jordyn Coyle. She also cherished by her six wonderful great grandchildren, Nicholas, Ian, Gavin, Amelia, Ray, Ellie, many Nieces, Nephews and other extended family members. 

Mary grew up and lived in many places and cherished her days living near Hermosa Beach and El Segundo California where she attended and Graduated from High School. She would have loved taking just one more long walk on those sunny beaches. Mary had many interests, enjoyed travel and seeing new places and was truly passionate about her art, museums and the beauty of nature. 

Mary studied art at the Art Center School, Chionard Art Institute and El Camino College in Los Angeles as well as the Central Academy of Commercial Art in Cincinnati. She was a member of the Cincinnati Art Club and The Woman's Art Club of Cincinnati. Mary was always anxious to learn new techniques or mediums and continued her education by taking classes offered by Cincinnati Favorites Carl Von Volbraith, Jack Meanwell, Reggie Grooms and Pat Mercurios. Mary’s favorite medium was colored pencil. The patience required for this detailed form of Art must have been learned while raising her three boys.

Mary never turned down an invitation to family gatherings or a good party of any kind. We began celebrating her birthday at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati with family and friends in 1976. It was the first Oktoberfest Celebration in Cincinnati. It immediately became a ritual, and she never missed a single celebration in its 44 year history. She would have loved celebrating one more Oktoberfest. Mary deeply loved all three of her sons and their families. She always kept tabs on what everyone was doing and had an active interest in their wellbeing. She was a wonderful Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and filled our lives with Her Love and Caring.  

Mary was deeply religious, keeping family and those in need in her nightly prayers, conversing with her God and with her Angels. Please feel free to say a prayer to your God with Mary in mind if so inclined. 

A Celebration of Mary’s Life and Exhibit of Art Work will be held October 17, 2021 at the Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center / The Barn at 6980 Cambridge Avenue Mariemont, OH 45227. Phone: 513-272-3700. Please join us there from 2pm to 6pm for Food, Beverages and a Wonderful remembrance of Mary’s Life.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be sent to Wounded Warriors: Donate to Veterans - Wounded Warrior Project Military Donations

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary L. Bertke, please visit our floral store.