Bertha Haugen

Bertha Elizabeth Haugen, died peacefully September 30th. Born in Page, ND to Martin and Sarah Bjorke, she is survived by her daughters Lee (Donald) Long of Greenwood, SC, Kari (Steven) Epstein of Denver, CO, sister Berniece Swang of Bismarck, ND, grandchildren Brita Long (Daniel Fleck), Harold and Jeremy Long, and Anya and Daniel Epstein. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lizabeth Haugen, brother Martin Bjorke, and beloved ex-husband Harold Haugen.

Bertha graduated from Minot State Teacher's College and the University of North Dakota. She was the recipient of the Central City Opera Guild's Bell Award, and the Denver Chamber Orchestra's Volunteer of the Year. She served on several committees and boards including the American Heart Association "Hearts for Life", Kempe Center Alliance, Denver Center Alliance, Denver Ballet Guild, Fine Arts Foundation, Children's Diabetes Foundation, "Women Aglow" founder, Board of Faculty Wives of Physicians at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, the Deb Ball, and the University of Denver Women's Library among others.

Bertha was a consummate pianist and entertainer, a diehard Bronco fan, avid gardener, woman of extraordinary faith, and a lover of music and parties. She also loved hiking and driving in the mountains until her health prevented her, and going down the tall slide at Eldorado Springs swimming pool.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kempe Center, Meals on Wheels (VOA), Colorado Chamber Orchestra, Agape Hospice, Central City Opera Guild, or Fine Arts Foundation.