Bertha (Brien) Montgomery

Portland – Bertha (Brien) Montgomery, 103, received her wings and passed peacefully on December 26, 2025, at Fallbrook Woods in Portland. Bertha was born on April 5, 1922, in Portland, the daughter of the late Henry and Margaret (Dorion) Brien.

Bertha lived a very fulfilled life and made many lasting memories. She graduated from Deering High School in 1940, and married the love of her life, Edward on December 2, 1942, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Bertha was an active member of the Mothers Club at Lincoln School where her children attended. She worked as a Salesclerk at Porteous Department Store and attended church at St. John’s Catholic Church. Throughout her life, she enjoyed walking, swimming, knitting, traveling; especially on cruises, playing cards and most of all, spending time with family and friends.

She spent the last 11 years residing at Kaler-Vaill where she thrived and made many wonderful friendships. In July of 2024, she became a resident at Fallbrook Woods- a Memory Care Facility, until her passing.

Rest in peace Mom – You earned your wings – we will miss you deeply.

Bertha was warmly welcomed into the next life by her husband of 54 years, Edward Montgomery; daughter, Margaret “Margie” Ventresca; granddaughter, Kimberly Leahan; grandson, Eric Scott; a sister, Florence Lemieux; brothers, Ernest, Henry, Gerald, Eddie Brien. She is survived by her daughters, Susan and her husband Martin Getchell of Ludlow, MA, Judith Montgomery of Scarborough; son, John Montgomery of Boston, MA;  grandchildren, Stephanie and her husband David Javaheri of Dover, MA, Christina Ventresca and husband John Cahalen of Arlington, MA, Jennifer and husband Jason Flagg of Austin, TX, and Jason Getchell of Ludlow, MA; son-in-law, George Ventresca; great grandchildren, Aaron, Ethan and Adin Javaheri, Maya Cahalen, Noah Flagg, and Olivia Getchell; extended family members, Cheryl and Dick Bolduc; and many special nieces, nephews, and great family members.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Fallbrook Woods who lovingly took care of Bertha the last year and a half. A very special thank you goes to Compassus of Scarborough for the incredible care they extended to Bertha in her final days, especially Lynn, Becca, and Torrie.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Bertha’s memory in the Summer of 2026; details to be announced at a later date.