Bertha B. Cantin

Bertha B. Cantin, 87, a lifelong resident of Sanford, passed away peacefully on February 20th at the Lodges Care Center in Springvale, with her nieces at her side.She was born in Sanford on April 25, 1930, the youngest of 8 children of Abdias and Laura (Sevigny) Cantin. She attended Holy Family School and was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School. She was a communicant of Holy Family Church.Bertha worked for a time at a local shoe shop and then was employed with Sprague Electric. Throughout these years, she cared for her parents and her brother Arthur.Bertha was rather reclusive for a few years, preferring to remain in her home. However, several years ago, she became a resident of the Newton Center in Sanford and then at the Lodges Care Center in Springvale. These two facilities with their wonderful and caring staffs made Bertha feel safe and loved. It was then that she was able to shine and become happy and gregarious. She loved to sing and dance and especially to make others smile, especially those who might prefer not to. Her nieces shared that she would seek out those who seemed to be alone and through her infectiously happy personality would brighten their day. Bertha's family is forever grateful to those who tended to her in each of those facilities in making these last 11 years the happiest of Bertha's life.She was predeceased by all of her siblings: Rita Roux, Annette Laferte, Sr. Clement, O.S.U., Sr. Marc, O.S.U., Leo Cantin, Joe Cantin and Arthur Cantin.She is survived by a sister in law, Doris Cantin and by many nieces and nephews, including Stella Plante, whom the family wishes to thank for her tireless efforts on Bertha's behalf for over 25 years.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 25, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford. Burial will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Residents Activities Fund at the Lodges Care Center, 51 Main Street, Springvale, ME 04083.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.