HOPE — Bertha M. Luce, 92, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, after a period of declining health.

Born December 29, 1932, in Rockland to Peary and Glenys Hall Merrifield, Bertha grew up in South Hope as the oldest of six children. She received her education in local union schools. At age 16, Bertha went on a blind date where she met the love of her life, Alfred Luce. They married on July 31, 1949, settled in South Hope, and raised three children.

Together, Bertha and Alfred were active members of the South Hope Grange and the Hatchet Mountain Snowmobile Club, where they formed many lifelong friendships. While Alfred worked as a mechanic, Bertha was always running to get parts for him. The couple maintained extensive gardens, spent many hours in the kitchen canning and freezing, and generously shared their harvest with everyone. Bertha also raised strawberries and strawberry plants, selling them to local markets. She worked in the blueberry fields alongside Alfred, with her trusty dog Friskie by her side. Throughout her life, she held positions at Mammoth Mart and J.C. Penney.

Bertha was constantly creating—sewing, crocheting, and exploring new craft projects. She became known for her homemade dishcloths, delicious whoopie pies, and exceptional strawberry jam. Her home was a welcoming place with an open door for children and anyone needing help or a meal. She would drive children to Sunday school, making sure they were fed in between services. Above all, Bertha was a loving mother and devoted wife who cherished her grandchildren and family, often enthusiastically planning reunions.

In 1986, Bertha and Alfred moved to Florida, where they formed new friendships while exploring the state and even taking a cruise to Alaska. They returned to Maine in 2007 to be closer to their grandchildren. They rejoined South Hope Community Church, where she continued to worship with new friends and old friends alike. Following the loss of their parents, Bertha and her sisters made it a priority to meet monthly for lunch gatherings which she always anticipated with joy.

Besides her parents, Bertha was predeceased by a sister, Esther Philbrook; her brother, Peary Merrifield; brothers-in-law, Leon Wood, Wayne Smith, and a daughter-in-law, Valerie Kaler.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Steven and Ann Luce, Wayne and Molly Luce, Sharon and Scott Harris; her grandchildren and their spouses, Lisa and Kelly LaChance, Steven and Sarah Luce, Jason and Jenny Luce, Ben and Mandie Luce, Sam Luce, Christopher Harris; her great-grandchildren, Lindsay, Steven, Braden, Isaac, Eli, Elise, Vanessa, Eliza, Natalia, and bonus great-grandchildren, Aaron, Lacey, Brittany, Lauren, Jessica, David; her great-great-grandchild, Elias; former daughters-in-law Fonda Woodman, Cathy Grover; sisters and their spouses, Annie Wood and Bob Newbert, Lorraine Smith, Marliss and Chris Thomas; and many special nieces and nephews.

A celebration of love and life will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 2 p.m., at South Hope Community Church Gym, 142 Main Street, Hope.

To share a memory or condolence with the Luce family, please visit their Book of Memoires at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.