Bertha Bostaph

Bertha A. Baker Bostaph, age 99, of Erie, passed quietly at Millcreek Community Hospital on Thursday, April 23, 2015. She was born in North East, Pa. on June 11, 1915, the daughter of the late Vern W. and Lana P. Post Baker. Mrs. Bostaph was a member of Wayne Park Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School there and served as a deaconess for many years. She was also chairman of the Dorcas Missionary Circle and an R.S.V.P. and Oil Creek Women’s Association member.

She was the matriarch of the family, giving guidance and comfort to all she touched. She excelled in gardening with her husband, enjoying bountiful harvests for canning and baking (especially her pies), sharing with family and friends.

She was steadfast in her faith, and an avid reader, reading a book a day. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and knitting, making thousands of caps, scarfs and mittens for the City Mission for over a half century.

She was preceded in death by her husband Patrick M. Bostaph, a daughter, Diane Myers, a granddaughter, Valery Szumigala, and her brother Vern Baker.

She leaves a daughter, Lana Mattocks of Erie, two sons, Charles V. Hall and his wife, Dorothy, of Bidderford, ME, and James Bostaph and his wife, Barbara, of Newport News, VA; a half-brother, Marshall Baker and his wife, Judy, of Bear Lake, PA; a half-sister, Beverly Chamberlain and her husband Arwin, of Pleasantville, PA. Bertha also leaves nine grandchildren; Michael, Anthony (Stephanie) and Romeo Ghamo, Sandra (John) Taccone, James Szumigala, Susan (James) Shumway, Charles and Michelle Hall, Sarah and Emily Bostaph, and many great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of LECOM for the kind and professional care provided during her stay.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 602 West Tenth Street, Erie, Pa. 16502 on Sunday from 2:00 pm till 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm and are invited to a service there on Monday at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Wayne Park Baptist Temple, 923 East 6th Street, Erie, Pa. 16507.