Bertha Elizabeth Schroeder

Bertha Elizabeth Schroeder, 96, of St. Joseph, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at home, with her family by her side. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Jim King officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma.  Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Krasl Art Center or the Box Factory for the Arts. Those wishing to sign Bertha’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Bertha was born on August 27, 1920 in Patchogue, NY, to Jesse and Charlotte (Tabor) Benjamin. On January 27, 1950 she married Edward H. Schroeder at a ceremony in Brooklyn, NY. Bertha was a receptionist for the Krasl Art Center for over twenty five years. She had a passion for art and enjoyed painting with all different mediums. Bertha loved the water, dogs and had a green thumb in her garden. She and her husband, Edward, collected coins and owned a candy store in Brooklyn, NY. Bertha was an active member at St. Peters United Church of Christ, St. Joseph, First United Methodist Church, West Lafayette, and First Congregation Church, St. Joseph. Bertha is survived by her daughter, Faith (Steve) Schroeder-Smith; grandchildren, Jason (Olivia) Morasco, Ken (Angie) Morasco, Liz Irk, Robert Irk and Jessie Eldridge; five great grandchildren; nephew, Jesse Benjamin and numerous other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Edward Schroeder; daughter, Linda Mae Irk and siblings, Franklin, Dora, Marjorie and Charles Benjamin.