Bertha Shingleton

Bertha Shingleton was born on August 28, 1935 in Baghdad Iraq to parents Lapya Zacharia and Yamleekha Shamun. She was the second child of four, Khanna, the oldest, then Bertha, Pnoel and Bailis.  She lived with her family and her aunt Mariam (a missionary). In 1944, her father passed away at a young age leaving her mother a widow with four children. Aunt Mariam helped raise the children and Bertha and Khanna worked to help support the family; Bertha worked at a prestigious department store called Orisdeeback.

Bertha was a beautiful young woman with many admirers. At the age of 24, she received an invitation from a friend to visit England.  Even though her mother objected for a young Bertha to travel alone to a far away country, she and Aunt Mariam prayed for her safety and happiness. Courageous Bertha welcomed the opportunity and departed for England.  She fancied England and met a handsome Englishman, Trevor Shingleton. Bertha remained living with her friend and two years later married Trevor. Eight years later, Bertha and Trevor were blessed with a son Mark. 

In mid 1970’s, Bertha, Trevor and Mark immigrated to the United States to join the rest of the family. Bertha devoted and sacrificed her life to care for her disabled son. Bertha lost her mother in 2005.  Years later, due to her health declining, Bertha moved to live near her brother Bailis.

By nature, Bertha had a dry sense of humor often confusing children by calling them by their sibling’s name or seriously asking someone if they had a recipe for instant coffee. When Basketball season rolled around, she was sure never to miss any games and often discussed the results with her nephews.  In her spare time, she frequented the local casino for a few hours of fun.

Bertha was a fearless woman, made silly and fake jokes that made everyone laugh, she loved a polish sausage sandwich and she was known for making the best Jello. She was fluent in the Assyrian language and proud of her heritage as well as the English heritage. 

Bertha leaves behind:

Her Son:
Mark
 
Her siblings: 
Pnoel (Nelly), Bailis (Sylvia) and Khanna (deceased)

Four nieces:  
Fruzenda, Vivian (Nenif), Juliana and Monique (Ramsey)

Four nephews:  
Sargon, John (Rania), Bailis and Ashur (Mela)  

Seven great nieces:  
Amy (Peter), April (Paul), Nahraine, Gabriella, Alexa, Sophia and Noelle

Five great nephews:                                
Jonathan, Sean (Alyssa), Timothy, Christian and Christian
                                       
Six great-great nieces and nephews:
Jasmine, James, George, Nicholas, Piper and Chloe.

May Bertha rest in Peace and may she be reunited with all her loved ones. Bertha, You will always be in our hearts.

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