Bertha M. Farls

Mary Bertha “Bert” (Roberson) Farls, 98, of Brighton Township, passed away on November 22 at Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital.

Born June 18, 1927, in her family’s farmhouse in White Oak near Fredericksburg, VA. She was the daughter of the late Thomas W. Roberson and Bertha Mary Roberson and the youngest of nine children. She graduated from Falmouth High School in 1945, where she was a cheerleader and active in the drama club and chorus. She attended Mary Washington College and, in 1949, was crowned runner-up in the Miss Fredericksburg, VA, contest.

In November of 1951, on a blind date, she met her future husband, Dr. Robert Farls. They celebrated their love story for 64 years until his passing in 2015. Bert and her husband made their home in Brighton Township beginning in 1962. For 20 winters, they spent the season in Key West, Boca Raton, and their final home Vero Beach, Florida. She always felt blessed to escape the cold winter months and encouraged family and friends to visit and enjoy the sunshine.

Bert joined The Medical Center Auxiliary—now known as Beaver Heritage—in 1968 and served until 2015. She was also a member of the Women’s Lioness Club and several card clubs, where she formed lifelong friendships. An avid reader, she loved crocheting afghans and scarves for family and friends throughout the years. As she grew older, she also enjoyed coloring, a hobby introduced to her by a dear friend. As a member of Four Mile Presbyterian Church, she was active in Sunday school, youth group, and the United Presbyterian Women’s Organization, before later becoming a member of Chapel Presbyterian (PCA) in Brighton Township.

Above all, Bert’s greatest role and deepest source of pride was being a loving and devoted wife, mother, Nanny, and Great Nan. She poured her heart and soul into her family. Her devotion, wisdom, generosity, and warmth will be profoundly missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Robert J. Farls; brother-in-law Dr. J.F. (Jack) Farls; all eight of her siblings; and many special lifelong friends.

She is survived by her loving children, son James (Barb) Farls of Sebastian, FL, and daughter Jill (Dennis) Lynch of Aiken, SC; and by her cherished grandchildren: Adam (Carrie) Kaneski of Nashville, TN; Katie (Jason) Sica of Wilmington, DE; Ashleigh Kaneski of Nashville, TN; Emily (Mike) Tolliver of Beaver, PA; Bob (Nicole) Farls of Beaver, PA; and Kara (Dillon) Pearson of North Augusta, SC. Her precious great-grandchildren include Kylie and Naomi Sica; Stella, Mila, Lilyana, and Asher Kaneski; Levi and Eliana Tolliver; and Peyton and Dex Pearson. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Kay Farls Baumann of Sebring, OH, and Darlene Farls of Baden, PA, along with many special nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, November 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, PA. A short service will follow at 4:00. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the American Heart Association.