Bertha Edith (Smith) Terhune

Bertha Edith (Smith) Terhune, age 87, of Lakeville, MA, passed away after a very brief illness, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. Born in Beacon, NY, on Thursday, February 6, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Mathias and Hester (Wyant) Schmidt. Bertha grew up in Beacon and Poughkeepsie, NY. She lived most of her life in Woodbury, CT, before building her home in Lakeville, MA, where she has lived for the past 20 years.

Bert worked in the computer science field starting in 1960. She began by writing code before advancing to a data base administrator and retiring as a vice president of Bank of America. Bert then used her skills in a life of volunteering, even being recognized by the Governor and Legislature of Massachusetts for her extraordinary life of service. She had a heart for the poor and underserved. She served at the Brockton Soup Kitchen and local food pantry, as well as going on mission trips to Kentucky and the Dominican Republic. Bertha loved children and helping with the youth group and children’s activities at First Congregational Church on the Green in Middleboro, where she was an active member for many years.  She was particularly passionate about volunteering at Soule Homestead Education Center, serving as treasurer working with children and assisting with all the programs, projects and special functions.

In lieu of owning a TV, Bertha had many interests, mastering fencing, and handball. She earned her brown belt in judo and was even a city squash champion. She also enjoyed woodworking, playing hand bells in bell choir, playing the accordion and had a deep love for animals.

Bertha is survived by her daughter Kathleen Terhune Easterbrooks and her husband Bob Easterbrooks Jr of Middleboro, grandson Robert Easterbrooks III and his daughter Lily of Alexandria, VA, grandson Matthew and Laura Easterbrooks of Dartmouth, and granddaughter Leah and Andrew Prats and their daughter Elizabeth of Somerset. Bertha was predeceased by her sister Dolores Cassulli and brother Owen Smith.

A funeral service for Bertha will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 10:00AM, at the First Congregational Church on the Green, 6 Plympton Street, Middleboro, MA 02346. Interment will follow at the Cemetery at the Green, also on Plympton Street in Middleboro. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either the Soule Homestead Education Center, or Father Bills Main Spring in Brockton, MA.

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