Obituary of Bertha Olga Deda

On Monday, February 19, 2024, Bertha Olga (Stucky) Deda passed away at the age of 100 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Bertha is survived by her sons Roman (Darlene) Deda and Ralph (Cheryl) Deda; brothers Ralph (Inga) Stucky and Ron (Carol) Stucky; grandchildren Jennifer MacDonald (Gerald Villegas) and Cameron Deda (Ashley McInnes); great-grandchildren Aiden and Logan Villegas-MacDonald, Connor Kielly and Mason Deda; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Peter Deda, parents John and Nellie (Tarka) Stucky, sister Marjorie (George) Luther, and brother Frank (Doris) Stucky.

In a log house in Foley, Manitoba, Bertha entered the world on November 24, 1923. As a young girl she loved going to school, however, the demands of the family farm required her to help out at home. In later years she enjoyed telling stories of her school days and life on the farm.

Eventually she moved to find work in Winnipeg. There she became a nanny for a prominent doctor (who was later the family’s physician for several years). While Bertha was visiting the farm she met her future husband, Peter, who was working in the area to help with the harvest.

Married in 1945, Bertha and Peter had their first child, Roman, in 1946, followed by Ralph in 1951. In 1953 they moved from Flora Avenue to a new house on Bannerman Avenue, the family home in which she took great pride. She always ensured, with Peter, that the house and yard were immaculate and the supper table was full of delicious food for the enjoyment of her family. Their North End home was also a welcoming spot for Roman and Ralph’s neighbourhood friends and was the hub from which they took cherished summer vacations, trips to Winnipeg Beach, and visits with extended family.

In the early 60s, “Birdie” started to work outside the home again, becoming a housekeeper for the same physician for whom she had been a nanny. She then moved into retail, becoming a top salesperson at various women’s dress shops such as Clifford’s. 

Bertha also had a passion for gardening, both vegetable and floral, her endeavours resulting in an award winning entry at the Winnipeg International Flower Show. She kept her green thumb throughout her life and continued to care for plants in her and Peter’s retirement condo in South St. Vital and later at Riverwood Square and River Park Gardens.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at River Park Gardens for making Bertha’s final years comfortable and for providing her with such high quality care and support. Cremation has taken place and interment will be held at a later date.