Bertha Hilson, nee Kocar, was born and raised with three sisters on a farm in Montana. After graduating from Northern Montana College in 1951 with a two-year certificate, she moved to Washington D.C., where she met Clyde Hilson, who was serving in the Army.

Clyde and Bertha were married in 1954 and eventually moved to Torrance, California where Clyde worked for Shell Oil. They welcomed the birth of their sons, Richard and John.

In 1971, the family relocated to San Jose, California. Bertha and Clyde both worked for and retired from the City of San Jose.  Clyde passed away in 2009.

Bertha is survived by her sons and their wives, Richard (Paula Bryan) and John (June Tazoe); her grandsons, Stephen, Daniel and Peter; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bertha is also preceded in death by her three sisters and their husbands.

Bertha enjoyed travelling and spending quality time with her family and friends. Her spirit and presence will be missed. She has been laid to rest with Clyde at Los Gatos Memorial Park in California.