Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Biography of Bertha M. Pitcher
September 24, 1936 – December 22, 2023

Bertha was born to the late William and Agnes Kyle, in Wheeling, West Virginia and moved to Washington, DC at the age of nine.  Bertha was the “rose between two thorns” with her older brother, Billy Kyle and younger brother, Harold Kyle.  The family moved to Capitol Heights, Maryland when Bertha was twelve years old.  Here she met her long-time best friend, Addie Miller.  She worked part-time at the local Five and Dime with her favorite post at the candy counter. Bertha attended Catholic grade school and sang in the choir.  She graduated from Suitland High School in 1954 where she excelled in English and typing, and took a job at the telephone company.  

While her brother Billy was in the Army, he met Robert Pitcher, who upon their return from Germany had no ride home.  He brought Bob to his house in the middle of the night so Bertha met her future husband for the first time in her pajamas.  Bob and Bertha were married on July 17, 1960 and moved to a tiny home in a far away place called Accokeek.  After three years, Bob built their own brick home on a knoll surrounded by trees and a luscious lawn.  There Bob and Bertha raised three daughters, Roxanne (Brian), Marcia (Mark), and Mary Beth (Jerry).  Bertha was her happiest as a mother to her three precious girls and took great pride in keeping a tidy home.  They had wonderful neighbors on Main Boulevard and many dear friends throughout Accokeek. 

In 1976, Bertha began working part-time for the Prince George’s County Library in the Accokeek, Oxon Hill and Clinton branches.  As an avid reader herself, she appreciated the quiet and detailed work shelving and checking out books. In 1983, Bertha accepted a position as a Secretary in the Plasma Physics Division at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.  Dedicated as ever, she brought home scientific papers to proofread while curled up on the couch in the evenings.  She retired in 1998 and to this day, scientists remember Bertha and commend her excellent work.

These years were filled with many difficulties because of Bob’s several bouts with cancer.  Bertha stood by his side for every appointment and surgery, keeping track of all the medications and procedures, and was known to correct the paperwork kept by the doctors’ offices.  Together they lived out their vows of marriage lovingly for 52 years until Bob passed in 2012.  Bertha kept their house for the next three years, cutting grass on the riding lawn mower herself.  She then moved in with Mary Beth for six years and enjoyed the often chaotic home with five of her grandkids, helping with the excess of dishes and laundry. Lastly, Bertha lived in a group home for Alzheimer patients for 15 months.  A woman who came from humble beginnings passed away peacefully and was cared for like a queen.

Bob and Bertha were blessed with eight grandchildren:  Kathleen (PJ), Joel, Kyle (Kaitlyn), Natalie, Seth, Evan, Paul and Luke, whom they doted upon and enjoyed tremendously, and they all loved their grandparents back just as affectionately.  We all fondly remember Bertha as the sweetest, kindest, and most loving wife, mother, friend, coworker and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution toward a new church organ at her beloved St. Mary’s of Piscataway, 13405 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735. https://saintmaryspiscataway.net/. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 30th at 10 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Piscataway, 13401 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735. A reception in the church hall will immediately follow the burial. 

Bertha M. Pitcher

Bertha M. Pitcher

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