Bertha (Dottie) Berman
May 2, 2023

BERTHA "DOTTIE" BERMAN: Age 99, of Regent Square in Pittsburgh, PA and more recently of Shelburne, VT passed on the morning of May 2, 2023 surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. She was the daughter of the late Eva and William Tolchinsky, and the devoted and loving wife of the late Matt (Mathias) Berman, the love of her life for 60 years. Dottie was the treasured mother of Ellen (Robert) Dobrusin of Ann Arbor, MI and Wendy (Michael) Pelletier of Essex, VT. She was the loving grandmother of Robert Pelletier (Samantha) of Lancaster, PA, Avi Dobrusin of St. Louis, MO, Katherine Pelletier (Kenneth Davenport) of North Kingstown, RI and Mickie Dobrusin of Ann Arbor, MI. She took joy in being a great grandmother to Cole Parker Pelletier. Dottie was the sister of the late Harry Tolchinsky and Betty Aptaker and aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She had a special loving relationship with her dedicated caregivers Dhyanna Lucia, Emily Germain and Peggy Trombley. She loved her Shelburne Bay aides, especially Marie-Claire, Mary Margo, Sam and John. Dottie was a proud native Pittsburgher who truly loved the city and was an enthusiastic fan of the Pirates and Steelers. Dottie was an excellent student and athlete and a proud graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School. She defied barriers to women and built a strong career starting as a legal secretary with the National Labor Relations Board. She later worked for many years at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.

Dottie was respected and appreciated by her coworkers and supervisors for her exceptional work and dedication. She was known for her kindness and her dry sense of humor. She loved to cook all her favorite recipes and eat chocolate whenever possible. She loved movies, music, dancing, gardening, and travel. Dottie enjoyed going with Matt and the girls to their weekend retreat in Mill Run, PA. She will be forever loved and remembered. Graveside Services and Interment will be held on Monday May 8, 2023 at 1 PM at Homewood Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (phipps.conservatory.org) or Animal Friends, (thinkingoutsidethecage.org). Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com

Condolences

I lived down the hall from your mom. We shared the same laundry day and had many wonderful conversations on those Thursdays. I loved her sense of humor and feel that I was lucky to know her even if it was for a short time. My thoughts go out to you and your whole family.

Our hearts go out to the family.