Obituary of Bertha May Coish

Bertha May Coish

July 29, 1938 – January 12, 2024

Mom passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024 at Western Long Term Care, Valleyside Unit, after a long battle with Parkinsons Disease, and joined her husband Bert and son Barry.

Born in Carbonear NL to Charles and Marjorie Thoms, Mom had four brothers Winston (and Olive), Roland (deceased) (Lorna), John (deceased) and Allan. Mom's Mother passed away when Mom was 3 years old and Pop later married Linda Synard. The blended family consisted of 3 boys (at the time) and 4 girls (Mom, Shirley, Sybil and Charlotte). A fourth boy, Allan, came along a few years later.

The family spent part of every year 'on the Labrador' for the seasonal fishery. Mom had to help with chores including cooking, picking bakeapples and helping salt fish. Mom mentioned years later that the black flies made berry picking tough.

Mom worked as a nursing assistant at the Grace Hospital and met Dad (Bert Coish) in St. John's. They married, moved to Corner Brook and raised their family on Hillcrest Road. Their kids were Rhonda Murphy, Barry, Brenda McCarthy (Wade), and David.

Later in life, Mom and Dad built a retirement home in Little Rapids. This is where Mom spent countless hours in her garden. It was truly Mom's special place.

The family is so extremely grateful to the staff of Valleyside Unit for 2 1/2 years of care and love. We are also grateful to Priscilla Boutcher, Sylvia Flood and Marjorie Kean for all their love and support to Mom since Dad passed away. 

Mom also leaves to mourn grandsons Christopher McCarthy (Veronique), Jordan Murphy, and Rily Murphy (Sarah), great granddaughter Marley, in-laws Sylvia (Roger) Flood, Marjorie (Neville) Kean, Melvin (Beatrice, deceased) Coish, Wilf (Joan) Coish and Donna (Gary) Guinchard.

Mom was a gentle, quiet lady who could surprise you with a joke or one-liner. She was a devoted wife, caring Mother, and had a calming presence. She epitomized the adage that 'still waters run deep.'

As per Mom's wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation.  Donations can be made to the Corner Brook SPCA or Parkinsons Society of NL, if desired.

Farewell gentle spirit, until the day we meet again.