Bertha "Betty" Cerviatti

Bertha "Betty" Cerviatti, 88, of Rutland, peacefully passed away in her sleep on May 18. Betty leaves behind her husband of 52 years, Giovanni Cerviatti, of Rutland, two daughters, Gina Murdza along with her husband Bill Murdza, of Rutland, and Nina Cerviatti and her husband Jack Maroney, of Holden, five grandchildren, Paola, Giovanni, and Andrea Chapa-Cerviatti, and Andrew and Eric Murdza. Bertha is also survived by her brother Alfonso Gallardo, of Guadalajara, Mexico and several cousins, nieces and nephews living in Mexico and Italy. Bertha was born in Mexico City, Mexico, the daughter of Maria del Carmen Hurtado de Gallardo and Alfonso Gallardo. Betty loved her husband and her family and was a woman of unwavering faith. It was her Catholic belief that enabled her to cultivate a genuine warmth and concern for everyone she met. Betty was an accomplished student and her love for language and arts gave her the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and the US as an exchange student where she sharpened her skills as a musician, artist and linguist. One of Betty's most cherished accomplishments was teaching Spanish to the Ambassador, diplomats and US Marines at the American Embassy in Mexico City. Betty's enjoyment of travel was eclipsed only by her fondness for people. Her love for people and places were contagious and her ability to listen opened any heart. Betty would often turn a complete stranger into a lasting friend. Betty will always be remembered for her sweet, peaceful and forgiving nature but most of all for teaching us all how to love. On Friday, May 22nd at 11 AM a Funeral Mass will be held at St Patrick's Church at 258 Main St, in Rutland, followed by a celebration of Betty's life at the Unitarian Universalist Church on 90 Holden St, in Worcester at 1 PM. The burial will be private.