Berta Catarina Johnson Swanson, 100, a beloved wife, mother, and longtime resident of Winchester, MA, passed away on June 5, 2025, quietly at home surrounded by her family.
Berta was born in Brattleboro, VT on June 29, 1924, to John Otto Johnson and Mary Victoria Olson Johnson. She relocated to Winchester, MA which became her cherished home for life.
In 1946 Berta met Ralph M. Swanson of Winchester while singing in the choir at the First Baptist Church. They married later that same year and began a devoted 55-year marriage that lasted until Ralph’s passing in 2002.
As a devoted wife and mother, Berta created a loving home for their six children that extended well beyond her immediate family as she and Ralph opened their door to friends from all over the world. Berta was the cornerstone of family life, supporting countless activities with her husband and children, and sharing her love of travel as they explored destinations across the country and around the world together.
Throughout her life, Berta was known for her tireless dedication to numerous organizations. She served with distinction in The Winchester Winton Club, supporting The Winchester Hospital, The Rotary Club of Winchester as a Paul Harris Fellow, The First Baptist Church, The Winchester Boat Club, The Girl Scouts Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, The Winchester Historical Society, and The Winchester Country Club. Through Berta's leadership and commitment spanning eight decades, she inspired countless individuals to get involved and made a tangible difference in the lives of many.
Berta never forgot her Vermont roots, which led her to establish The Class of 1942 Scholarship Fund. This scholarship exists in perpetuity and is granted annually to two or three graduating seniors of Brattleboro Union High School who need financial assistance as they continue their educational pursuits.
Berta led a fulfilling and active life with diverse passions. She was a talented singer, dedicating eight decades to the First Baptist Church choir. Berta's zest for life extended to dancing, showcased through her annual participation in the Winton Club Show. Her love for sailing, curling, golfing, skiing, spelunking and anything nature had to offer brought her great joy. Sailing was a shared passion for Berta and Ralph, leading to many memorable family adventures.
Berta is survived by her loving children: Ralph W. Swanson and his wife Pearl of Winchester; Karen K. Weidner and her husband Scott of Hershey, PA; Susan M. Steidley and her husband John of Solon, OH; John M. Swanson and his wife Barbara of New London, NH; Sonja S. Gillespie and her husband Dave of Manassas, VA; and Marta V. Swanson and her husband Paul Burneko of Vero Beach, FL. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Berta's legacy will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on September 27, 2025, at Swanson's Cove - The Winchester Boat Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Winton Club, significant to Berta.
To Make a donation to the Winton Club use PayPal or PayPal guest with a Credit Card, or via a Donor Advised Fund.