Bertha Haenlein

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive. ~Anais Nin Bertha "Bert" Haenlein was born on June 20, 1940 in Illinois. After a circuitous few years, we were lucky enough for her to land in Austin. If you meet anyone that knew her, just mention the name, "Bert" and you will get a smile. In fact, making people laugh was Bert's personal mission in life and she had it perfected into an art form. She was a five foot force of nature that didn't just march to the beat of a different drummer; Bert led the whole band for many an impromptu parade. Life was to be enjoyed, every minute should be an adventure, every friend should be seen as a gift. She made up her own rules as she went along and, although at times she might stumble, she would rise again and have a whole new story to add to the endless string of memories that she was constantly creating. Those that knew her well and were lucky enough to earn her trust knew they had a sister who was fiercely loyal and who loved deeply and absolutely. How she adored her huge family! She didn't think of her friends as an "extended" family - her friends were her actual family. She took great comfort in the knowledge that all the men and women in her family were kindred spirits who would walk through fire for her and they, in turn, knew she would return the favor. She often depended on that knowledge to get her through the struggles of life and the family would always circle the wagons around her. Within this family, there is a quartet of sisters who have been a part of Bert's life for decades. They have gone through all the trials and tribulation s of life together: laughter, tears, sorrows, triumphs. A band of friends who were extremely precious to Bert: The Buds. Blood relations could not have created a closer bond and Bert loved them more than life itself. Bert had a wonderful and adventurous life! She lived it and left it exactly as she would have wanted: on her own terms. Bert's family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to all the ICU nurses, 3rd south, at North Austin Medical Center. Their dedication, kindness and patience with the constant line of people that came to say farewell to Bert was beyond the call of duty: thank you. A celebration of Bert's life will be held at Unity Church of the Hills, 9905 Anderson Mill Rd., on January 19th, 2013 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in her name to Outyouth. Memories last forever, never do they die, Friends stick together and never really say goodbye. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson