Mrs. Berta L. Holliday

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, the family of Berta L. Holliday announces that she was called home to the Lord on July 25, 2026, at the age of 86. Born December 21, 1939, Berta lived a life defined by unwavering faith, boundless devotion to her family, and a grace that touched everyone she met. Berta graduated from high school at the Collegio Apostolado in Cienfuegos, Cuba, in 1956. She came to the US at age 16 to study Chemistry and English at Sacred Heart College in Belmont, North Carolina where she met Jim Holliday, a student at nearby Belmont Abbey College. They fell in love there and then they both completed college in New Orleans - Berta at Dominican College, and Jim at Tulane University. They married in New Orleans and began an exciting life around the world. Son Bill was born in New Orleans, Joe in Los Angeles, and Elizabeth in Guildford, England. Together Berta and Jim re-located 18 times, with highlights in England, Indonesia and Venezuela. Their final move was to retirement in Gulf Shores where they have spent the last 30 years of their 65 years of married life. Berta always met the challenges of her family re-locations with grit and faith. Her personal prayers centered on faith in the Infant of Prague, Padre Pio, and the Virgin Mary who guided her natural ability to adjust to different peoples, cultures and languages. At the center of Berta’s heart was her husband, Jim her partner and companion through life’s every season. Together, they built a home overflowing with warmth, laughter, and love, for the families of their children who have carried forward the values she instilled: kindness, integrity, and an unshakable devotion to family. In her grandchildren, Berta found a joy that knew no bounds. She delighted in every milestone, treasured every visit, and loved each of them with the boundless, unconditional love that only a grandmother can give. Our Lady of Gulf Church has been our spiritual home in Gulf Shores. Berta was Cantor in the Parish for many years, and the strength and beauty of her voice touched the hearts of parishioners and visitors alike through the music of the Liturgy. Berta is survived by her brother Alfredo Lewis, her husband Jim; her cherished children, Bill and Chris, Joe and Elaine, and Liz and Sam and grandchildren, Jake and his wife Maddie, Thomas, Nathan, Kelly, and Ian. Though our hearts ache with the sorrow of her passing, we take comfort in knowing that Berta has been welcomed into the arms of our Lord and his Mother Mary united in the glory of heaven, free from pain, and bathed in the eternal light. Her spirit remains with us always, in every memory shared, and every lesson she taught. A Funeral Mass celebrating Berta’s life and faith will be held on Saturday, August 15th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church with a small reception to follow. The family invites all who loved her to join in honoring her beautiful life and living legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in keeping with Berta’s own generous and loving spirit. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Mrs. Berta L. Holliday

December 21, 1939 - July 25, 2026