Maria Bertha Velasquez, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on July 19, 2024, at the age of 95.

Born on October 21, 1928, in Aranzazu, Colombia, to Edwardo and Barbarita Velasquez, Bertha was raised in a loving Catholic family alongside her siblings:  Julio Cesar, Hernando, Rodrigo, and Gabriela.

From a young age, Bertha demonstrated a profound love for her family as well as a special devotion to her mother. Her compassion extended to all living beings as she cared for animals of every kind.

In her early years, she worked in the treasury department in Aranzazu, later moving to Bogota in 1953, where she found employment at a newspaper.  The connections she made in Bogota eventually led her to Tulsa, Oklahoma. In the U.S., Bertha became a dedicated social worker at St. John's Hospital, where she continued to embody her strong Catholic faith, attending Holy Family Church and forming cherished friendships with many nuns.  Bertha's love for family was evident when she brought her brother Rodrigo to Tulsa, then her Mother Barbarita and brother Hernando, and later Niece Bety to join her in America.

In 1969, she purchased a house that became her forever home, where she lived with Hernando and Barbarita in a close-knit community, including her brother Rodrigo and his wife Mary.  She was a passionate gardener, spending all her free time outside manicuring her yards when the weather allowed.   Bertha enjoyed traveling to many countries with her mother, church groups, and her nieces Luisa and Bety.   Bertha cherished family gatherings, especially Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving, filling her home with love and laughter.

In her later years, as her memory began to fade, she was lovingly cared for by her family, including her nieces Bety, Luisa, and Jennifer.  In her final months, she resided with her brother Rodrigo and wife Mary in Tahlequah, where they shared memories of her upbringing and the beautiful moments of her life.

Maria Bertha Velasquez is preceded in death by her parents, Edwardo and Barbarita; her brothers Julio Cesar and Hernando: and her sister Gabriela.

She is survived by her brother Rodrigo, his wife Mary, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family, all of whom will cherish her memory.  Bertha's legacy of love and devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. May she rest in peace.

To stream Bertha's service live, please click here .