Bertha Richard

She was born in Suncook on March 6, 1915 to Philias and Gertrude (Welch) Richard. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross in 1932 and made her final profession in 1939. She served in the Congregation for 78 years.

Sr. Bertha earned a bachelor's degree from Rivier College in Nashua and took graduate courses from Boston College.

She taught in parochial elementary and high schools in Rochester and Nashua and also served as principal in Rochester. She was the founder of the Sacred Heart School in Groton, CT

She was Directress of Novices from 1956 to 1971 and served as food manager at Notre Dame College in Manchester for 11 years. She retired to St. George Manor in Manchester in 1981 and transferred to Holy Cross Health Center in 1995.

The family includes two sisters, Madeleine Annis and Pearl Duford both of Suncook, and several nieces and nephews.

IN HER LIFE: Sr. Bertha stated that her assignment as Directress of Novices was one of the greatest blessings of her life. She is warmly remembered by her many former students, postulates and novices whose faithfulness always touched her deeply.

She is also remembered for her kindness and graciousness to all. She was a true daughter of the Blessed Basile Moreau.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, June 30, 2010 in the chapel of St. George Manor. Committal prayers followed at St. Augustin Cemetery, So. Beech Street, Manchester.

Donations may be made to the Sisters of Holy Cross Development Fund, c/o Sisters of Holy Cross, 377 Island Pond Rd., Manchester, NH 03109.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester assisted with arrangements.