Alberta Hengeveld

Biography

Alberta (Bertie) Hengeveld died on September 6, 2010 after a four year battle with cancer. Born in 1924 in Branchville, NJ, Bertie is the daughter of Emma Spoolstra Struck and Jacob Anthony Struck. She was raised in Branchville, NJ, graduating from Newton High School in 1941. In 1942 Bertie graduated from Paine Hall School and worked as a doctor's Medical Assistant in Jersey City, NJ. Bertie married her high school sweetheart, Loftus Hengeveld Jr, in 1946 and focused her energies on his bookkeeping and raising the family. Lofty's medical profession took Bertie from Newton, NJ, to Montgomery, AL , to Littleton Commons, MA, to Ho-Ho-Kus and Loveladies, NJ, and finally to Greenville, NC. In 1993 Bertie and Lofty retired to Beverly Hills, FL where she enjoyed an active life of traveling, golf and cards. Bertie is pre-deceased by her husband in 1994. During the last 10 months of her life she lived in Monson, MA with her daughter Tara Hengeveld and her husband Michael Benfield.
Bertie leaves behind three children: Tara Hengeveld and her husband Michael Benfield of Monson, MA; Cheri Reed and her husband Dan Reed of Arnold, MD; and Loftus Hengeveld III and his wife. Bertie also leaves five grandchildren. Her grace, generosity, humor, and unconditional love will be missed by all.
A memorial service will be held in Beverly Hill, FL. As well there will be a celebration of her life Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10:30am in her daughter's home in Monson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to either Hospice of Citrus County or Quaboag Valley Hospice 42B Wright St Palmer, MA 01069, both of which provided dedicated and loving care for her during her illness.