Mary Ann Bertram

Mary Ann Spies was born on October 11, 1946, in San Bernardino, California, to Elmer Hugo Spies and Dora Mae (Burch) Spies. Her parents had recently moved from Missouri to settle there with their 2-year-old daughter, Dorene, Mary Anns only sibling, who predeceased her some three years ago. Her parents initially opened up a small restaurant in the area, which later failed, and relatives helped to build their new home. While they struggled to make ends meet over the years, her angelic mother always did a wonderful job running the household, keeping them afloat throughout her life by selling Stanley Home Products, and bringing them up as Christians at the local Baptist church.



One of Mary Anns favorite things to do as a young child was tap dancing, which she continued to do on and off even into her 40s. Later on she also took up roller skating, a favorite pastime during her high school years. She graduated from Pacific High School in 1964, and shortly thereafter took a medical transcription class and began working for Patton State Hospital as a medical transcriptionist. It was to be her one and only occupation to the very end, working the last 30 years at San Gabriel Medical Center and then Garfield Hospital.



Mary Ann met the love of her life, Bruce Bertram, in 1965 while he was stationed at March Air Force Base. They were married on December 30, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and in 1971 their one and only daughter, Kimra, was born. They lived in San Bernardino, Phoenix, and then Temple City, where they have resided since 1974. Mary Anns proudest moment was the birth of her daughter, but she also considered it the greatest responsibility of her life. Her family always came first in her life, and her favorite times in recent years were spending time with them and playing with her two beautiful granddaughters.



Things that really brought joy to her through the years were tap dancing, collecting recipes, couponing, cooking, gardening, crocheting, doing crafts of all kinds, getting massages, going to the beach, camping, cruising, traveling, playing games, and being involved in Lutheran Marriage Encounter. But the things that Mary Ann loved above all else were her mother, her husband, her daughter and son-in-law, her two granddaughters, her good friends, her dogs, and her church here at First Lutheran Temple City.



Throughout her life she was a God-centered person, having faith that one day she would be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mary Ann joyfully joined the Lord on January 10, 2013, when her long-suffering battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease finally ended. Over these many years she did it uncomplainingly, while maintaining her keen, but wry, sense of humor. Few knew the inner strength she possessed. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Eugene Bertram, her daughter and son-in-law, Kimra Dawn and Scott Douglas McAfee, and her two granddaughters, Corona Shea McAfee and Sequoia Amber McAfee.



The Bertram family is requesting that in lieu of flowers donations be made to First Lutheran School Temple City, where their daughter graduated and which they have supported for so many years.



A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2013, at First Lutheran Church, 9123 Broadway Ave., Temple City, California 91780. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall so that the family can thank you for honoring them with your attendance. The love and support of family, friends, co-workers, and members of the church have been overwhelming. We ask Gods blessings on each and every one of you.