VAN LIEW , Bertha Angela Kavanagh

Bertha Angela (Byrne) Kavanagh Van Liew, daughter to Joseph and Rose Mary Byrne, died Friday, June 8, 2007, at the age of 84. She was born Sept. 6, 1922, in Woodslee, Ontario, Canada. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario. In 1943, she was employed by the Inspection Board of Canada, analyzing and assaying war materials during World War II. In 1956, Bertha immigrated to Arizona with her husband and four children, residing in Phoenix for 49 years. She graduated from Medical Assistant School in 1967 and worked in that field for 17 years. She lived her last two years in Flagstaff. She was married to John M. Kavanagh in 1946 and together they raised their four children until he died in 1983. She was re-married in 1988 to William C. Van Liew, who expired in 1995. She is also preceded in death by siblings, Joseph Byrne, James Byrne, Edward Byrne, Donald Byrne, Gerald Byrne and Julia McCarroll. She is survived by her children, John J. Kavanagh of Flagstaff, Joseph N. Kavanagh of Flagstaff, Rosemary G. Kavanagh-McLaughlin of Durham, N.C., and Colleen A. Kavanagh of Gilbert; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her siblings, Louis Byrne of Essex, Ontario, Patrick Byrne of Woodslee, Ontario and Charlotte Stephens of Warren, Mich.; stepchildren Karen Van Liew Holt, Arlene Van Liew, Joy Piemonte, Lorraine Lenkevich, Lenore Burdick, Rosemary Cassells and Harry Van Liew; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation with rosary was at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 N. 59th Ave., Glendale 85301. Celebration Mass was at St. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix. Graveside memorial at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, 10045 W. Thomas Road in Avondale. Arizona Daily Sun 6/10/2007