MONTGOMERY – Held in her family’s loving embrace, Bertine Galipeau passed away in her home on Sunday, October 29th, 2023. A longtime resident of Montgomery, Bertine lived in peace with her husband George in a marriage that spanned 59 years. Born in January of 1943, Bertine shared her life as a servant for God, helping families in need with her counseling practice Koinonia. Her educational pursuit started her career in the school system as a guidance counselor and teacher before she began her counselling and mental health practice, a passion of which she pursued throughout her remaining life. A lover of nature, flowers were always on display in her home and surrounding gardens where she always welcomed cherished friends and her extended family. Bertine’s life impacted multitudes of people in need and helped families form loving bonds that will continue far beyond the memory of her immediate life. A long-time member of Bethany Assembly of God, Bertine was a member of the choir, counsellor to those in need and assisted in signing the sermons’ message to hearing impaired members. Bertine’s love of children was amongst one of her most cherished attributes, as she could rarely pass by a baby or child without extending a loving smile, kind word or a warm embrace.
Along with her husband George Galipeau, Bertine is survived by her four children and spouses: Colette and her husband Tom Fellows, Nicole Galipeau, Christian and his wife Krysia Galipeau and Joshua Galipeau. Deeply missed by her extended family of six grandchildren, Bertine leaves Sarah and Wyatt Smith, Alivia and Matthew Worley, Bryanna Fellows and her Fiancé Alex Ray, Georgia, Nathan, Jacob, and great-grandson Theodore Smith with a lifelong story of memories and joyful outdoor fun together.
Bertines mission of help to all those in need extends past her life. In lieu of flowers, her family kindly requests donations be made to the Bethany Assembly of God’s mission fund.
Bertine will be remembered at the Firtion-Adams Funeral home in Westfield MA on Friday, November 24th from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be the following day, November 25th at Bethany Assembly of God at 10:00 a.m. Burial service will be private to family at a later date.
