Bertha (Alto) Stevens

Newport, NH - Bertha (Alto) Stevens, 85, passed away on October 1, 2017 after a long battle with cancer.

Bertha spent the last year of her life living with her son, Peter, his wife, Wanda, and grandson Cole. She truly enjoyed this time with them. Born at home in the family farmhouse in Sunapee, NH on January 14, 1932, her twin sister, Beulah, quickly followed her into the world. Bertha's parents, Fredrick and Vera Alto, had nine children: Reino Alto, Richard Alto, Cynthia Daniels, Oliver "Grumpy" Alto, Edward Alto, Alfred Alto, all of whom predeceased Bertha. The youngest children survive her:  Beulah Benson, lives in Newport, and younger brother, Harold Alto, resides in Sunapee.

Bertha was married on April 25, 1953 to Robert Stevens. Robert died in 2015. Their older son, Michael, died in 2013. Michael is survived by his wife, Sandy, and his son, Cory and wife Jill.

Bertha first attended school in Sunapee and completed high school at Towle High School in Newport, the class of 1950. She worked at International and Sportwell shoe shops, also at Sylvania, but mostly enjoyed her time as a housekeeper for people in the Sunapee area.

Bertha and her husband Bob enjoyed fishing, camping, and taking day trips with other family members, which included wonderful picnics. She especially loved visits to the ocean. They loved to garden in their vegetable and potato gardens, often canning the fruits of their labor. Bertha was an avid card player. It was simple pleasures that enriched Bertha's life.

When asked to talk about the highlights of her life, bertha said "My family, my sons and their wives, and my two grandchildren. I've had a good life. I wouldn't change a thing. I want my family to be happy and to be good to each other."

A graveside service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport at 11AM on Saturday, October 7, 2017. A reception is to follow at the Newport Senior Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Newport Food Pantry, 95 Main St, Newport, NH 03773.

Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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