Bertha Victoria McIntyre

Bertha passed away comfortably and peacefully on Monday October 6, 2025 at the age of 93 in Wentworth Lodge, Dundas, Ontario.

Our family thanks all the dedicated staff of Wentworth Lodge for maintaining Berte’s well being for over seven years. Their friendship, thoughtfulness and professionalism made her life immeasurably better. We are grateful that Mom was part of Wentworth’s culture of care.

Bertha was the only child born to her late parents, Andrew and Stella Balciunas. She grew up on Indian Rd., in the West end of Toronto, attended Ogden Public School and Parkdale C.I. It was at Parkdale Collegiate where Bertha met her future husband Donald McIntyre.

On November 24, 1952, the front page of the Toronto Telegram read, “Work, Study, A Little Play, All in a Nurse’s Day”. High School Cheerleader now nurse, Bertha Balciunas is a 20 year old in her 3rd year of training at Women’s College Hospital. “It’s hard work but it’s also fascinating”, said Bertha. A weekly date with Don helped her cope with the daily work and study schedule.

On April 7, 1956, Bertha married Don McIntyre in the Islington United Church and the reception was held at the Old Mill.

Berte had two children, Paul and Sandi McIntyre. The family moved to Brantford in 1960 where Don helped establish the architectural practice Mark/Musselman/McIntyre/Combe.

Besides being a homemaker, Berte worked at a local doctor’s office and also volunteered some of her time to the Glenhyrst Art Gallery. The large converted home is nestled in a beautifully landscaped park near the banks of the Grand River. The Gallery became one of her favourite places in the city. She enjoyed helping with fundraising activities. Berte participated in Mod fashion shows during the sixties and helped organize gourmet style dinners. Berte also introduced her children to art classes offered by Glenhyrst educators.

Berte loved to cook then share new taste experiences with close friends and family. Her exploration of French cuisine gave her children the opportunity to use special tongs to hold escargot shells, then delicately retrieve the meaty garlic treasures with tiny forks. Well done Mom!

Berte and Don relished their trips to Europe together...walking, talking and appreciating great architecture while sampling the local culture.

Berte was a loving mother who maintained a sunny disposition, which was carried forward and shared with her grand children and great-grand children.

Berte is survived by her son, Paul McIntyre and daughter, Sandi Wilder; daughter in-law, Lynn McIntyre; granddaughter, Ellen Wilder and Husband Jeff Seward; granddaughter, Sally McIntyre; grandson, Mac Wilder and Fiancée Leah; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Summer Seward.

Berte has been cremated and her ashes will be laid to rest along side Don’s urn in a wall niche at the White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Hamilton. The family is grateful for your condolences. At Berte’s request, there will be no memorial, flowers or donations.