July 12, 1927 – October 23, 2025
With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Bertha Heino (née Hill) announces her peaceful passing on October 23, 2025, in Sudbury, Ontario, at the age of 98.
Bertha’s journey began on July 12, 1927, in Wanup, Ontario, where she was born to John (Johannes) and Vilhelmiina Hill. Her early years were marked by hardship and resilience. Losing both parents at a young age, she and her siblings found strength in one another. Bertha’s courage and determination became a hallmark of her life, beginning when, at just eleven and a half, she went to work to help support herself and her family.
Those who knew Bertha often marveled at her incredible memory and vivid storytelling. She carried with her not just her own memories, but the stories of the Hill family, preserving a history of perseverance, love, and connection that spans generations. She often shared these recollections with laughter, tenderness, and her signature humility.
Over the years, Bertha worked hard in various roles from helping in boarding houses and cafés, working in bush camps, where she met her husband Sulo Heino, to running Heino’s Grill and Bertha’s Catering with Sulo. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and friendship. After many adventures, they settled in Long Lake, where they made their home for 34 years a place of peace, laughter, and countless family and friends gatherings.
Even though they were not snowmobilers, Bertha and Sulo were proud and active members of the Broder Dill Snowmobile Club, where they shared many winters becoming well known for their pancake breakfasts at the Picnic Pond gatherings, and their involvement extending to Voima Hall social gatherings, spending many joyful years celebrating Finnish traditions, dancing, and making lifelong friends. Those memories of laughter, fellowship, and shared meals became a cherished part of their story together.
Bertha and Sulo raised two sons, Charles (former wife Marg) and Mike (Laurie), who were her pride and joy. Bertha’s legacy continues through her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored deeply and who brought light to her later years.
One of Bertha’s most passionate hobbies was blueberry picking, traveling many miles and even sleeping overnight in her car to be the first at her favorite berry patches.
Bertha was predeceased by her beloved husband Sulo (1997), and by her siblings Saima, Ona (Aune), Terttu (Toots), Laila, Amy, and Paul. She is remembered lovingly by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who were touched by her kindness, humor, and enduring strength.
Bertha’s life is a testament to resilience, to finding joy through struggle, to holding family close, and to meeting every challenge with grace. Her spirit will live on in every story told, every friendship made, and every moment of laughter that echoes through her family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Lockerby Legion, in Sudbury, where family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor her remarkable journey.