Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them! - Revelation 14:13
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Maria Bertha Fernandes
Maria Bertha Fernandes was born on 8th April 1928 at Ocean Road Hospital in Dar es Salaam to Mariano and Clara Almeida. Raised in a loving, God-fearing home, she spent her early years in Tanga before traveling to India with her sister to pursue her education at Loyola Secondary School in Belgaum, Goa. After completing their studies, the two sisters journeyed home to Tanga by ship, where Bertha would go on to build her life and lasting legacy.
On 2nd June 1954, she married the love of her life, Anthony Lawrence Fernandes. Their marriage, which spanned 65 beautiful years, was marked by deep devotion, unity, resilience, and generosity. Together, they were blessed with six children: Hazel, the late Kenneth, the late Cedric, Vernon, Shirley, and Mitzi. Bertha stood faithfully beside her husband as his partner and greatest support helping provide for their family and serving as his right hand in every season of life.
A steadfast and devoted woman of faith, Bertha was a committed Roman Catholic for many years and faithfully served as Vice President of the Legion of Mary. In the early 1980s, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior, and from that moment her relationship with God deepened profoundly. Prayer became the foundation of her life. Daily Bible reading sustained her spirit, and she became a devoted intercessor faithfully praying for her family, friends, and many others across Tanzania and beyond. Through seasons of joy and through personal trials and hardship, her faith never wavered.
Affectionately known simply as Bertha, she was gentle, gracious, and deeply loved by all who knew her. A hardworking accountant and devoted breadwinner alongside her husband, she was, above all, a mother whose greatest mission was to raise her children to love and fear God. She loved her family wholeheartedly—her children, sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchild—showing no partiality, only unconditional love.
Bertha had a remarkable gift for nurturing life. She truly had “green fingers” - whatever she planted flourished. Her garden was not just a place of beauty but a place of generosity, as she delighted in sharing fruits and flowers with neighbors and friends. A gracious hostess, she welcomed all who entered her home with warmth, tea, coffee, and biscuits. She loved singing to her Heavenly Father and was known as a soul-winner, an encourager, and a faithful prayer warrior. Many remember her as a woman of integrity, humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.
After nearly 98 beautiful years, Bertha leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith, love, service, and compassion. Her life stands as a testimony to wholehearted devotion to God and selfless love toward others.
Her prayers carried generations.
Her faith shaped destinies.
And her legacy will continue to live on in every life she touched.
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She trained you well.
Nancy Castaneda
(E2000)
Na sio mnafiki
Bibi akapumzike kwa amani
May she rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy on the ‘temporary’ loss of your mother, grandmother, friend and so much more to so many.
May our God of all comfort hold you close to his heart, until you meet again in His glorious presence.
I see your mom dancing on the streets of heaven, in that place of fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore, with all those beloved ones in Christ Jesus.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
I pray that the Holy Spirit comforts and strengthens you in a way that surpasses all human understanding. May His peace guard your hearts and minds, and may you find solace in the beautiful memories and the legacy of faith she leaves behind.
Indeed, she has fought the good fight of faith and finished her race well. May her life continue to inspire all who knew her.
With heartfelt sympathy and prayers. ❤️
I am truly sorry for the loss of your beloved grandmother. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God grant you comfort, strength, and peace, and may her soul rest in eternal peace.
With sympathy,
Clinton Mbowe
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOU ALL..
MAY ALLAH SW FORGIVE HER AND BLESS HER NOOR IN HER NEW HOME.. Until ON THE DAY MAY ALLAH SW. RAISE HER AND BLESS HER WITH THE HIGHEST RANK IN PARADISE AMMIIN..🤲🏼🤲🏼🤲🏼
May ALLAH SW give you all family and friends strength in this difficult time.. Ammiin🤲🏼🤲🏼🤲🏼
May the God of comfort, comfort you during this difficult time. I never met her but She must have been a beautiful person by knowing Sister Hazel, only a godly mother can produce children like that. I’m sure she faced many trials in her life yet kept the faith. God be with you all. You will miss her from this day forward until you meet again. Soon and very soon.
However, earth has felt the departure of this Dear Faithful Servant of the Lord and we grief her absence.
We will miss you Dear Martha, your name was like music to our ears, and your memory will forever be etched in our hearts, but we will meet again when our task is over. Thank you, Dear Mother Martha, for your service here on earth, both great and small.
.
Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences on the passing away of your dear mum Bertha.
She was an amazing person who really loved and served the Lord. I remember when I visited her place many years ago, she was very kind and welcoming. She had a heart full of love and a burden for the lost. May the Lord rest her soul in eternal peace.
Love & blessings,
Millie & Josephine
May the good Lord guide and comfort you all, at this difficult time. Sending prayers your way. 🙏
I loved reading the note above on your mother's life history she was a busy lady and I'm sure she loved it . GOD rest her soul 🙏 ❤️
Hazel, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask. ❤️🙏
Beautiful pictures of your mother and family.
Romelino, Auta, Tricia and Loujoe
Maria Bertha Fernandes Family tree
Late: Cassiano Fernandes
Late: Eutimo Fernandes
Late: Theodolina Alfonso
Late: Cassiano Fernandes
Late: Eutimo Fernandes
Late: Theodolina Alfonso
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Bertha embodied throughout their life.
In Tanzania:
Mpesa: Bernice Fernandes: 0744303028
CRDB Bank: 0152358366400
In Canada:
Hazel Ann Fernandes
E-Transfer to Royal Bank of Canada
Email: hazelannferns@gmail.com
In the USA:
Nala App - from USA Bank Account to Bernice's MPESA: 0744303028
Other Countries:
Paypal - bernicehf7@gmail.com
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