Martha Bertrand

Martha Mae Bertrand — age 90 years, 9 months and 18 days — entered Heaven's gates into eternal rest with her Savior on Saturday, May 20, 2023, surrounded by her beloved children and friends.

Martha Bertrand

Martha Bertrand

Martha was born Aug. 2, 1932, to Frank and Mae Mullins Hopper. She married the love of her life, Frank Charles Bertrand, who preceded her in death Jan. 2, 2016.

Frank and Martha left a legacy of love through their children, Steve (Jennie) Bertrand of New Haven, Missouri, Dennis (Chris) Bertrand of Atoka, Tennessee, and Chuck (Evelyn) Bertrand, David (Kathleen) Bertrand, Tom (Cindy) Bertrand and Jaynee (Ray) Juneau, all of Cape Girardeau; grandchildren, Charles (Carli) Bertrand, Heather (Gary) Brasfield, Daniel Bertrand (who welcomed his grandma in Heaven), Trae (Rachel) Bertrand, Amee Bertrand, Amber (David) Prasanphanich, Adam Bertrand, Ben (Tara Allee) Bertrand, Mark Bertrand, Brandi (Chase) Bonner, Josh (Tara) Browning and Tori (Jason) Moore; 24 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Kathryn; grandson, Daniel; great-grandson, Frank; great-granddaughter, Dixie; three sisters, known lovingly as the "Hopper Girls", Bessie, Wanda and Marilyn; two brothers, Harvey and Ernie; and several half brothers and sisters.

She left behind a wonderful group of friends known as the "Foxy Ladies", a name she coined for their lunch group, some of whom were lifelong friends who each celebrated their 90th birthdays together over the last year.

Martha most enjoyed spending time with her family. Known as the "baby whisperer" -- no one ever saw a baby she couldn't cuddle up to and comfort.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 25, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The celebration of life will be Friday, May 26, at Hobbs Chapel Community Church, 3023 Highway 177 in Cape Girardeau, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m., officiated by the Revs. Stan Hargis and Eric Simmons. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

The family would like to thank Julie McGrath for her loving support, and Southeast Hospice for its excellent and caring service.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Hobbs Chapel Cemetery Fund, 215 Country Club Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or Frank the Fighter Foundation, 1320 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.