Bertha "Bertie" Mary (Koons) Diaz

Bertha “Bertie” Diaz, 90, died March 29, 2026, in her Oley Township residence. Bertie, known best for her welcoming personality, generous spirit, and inclusive nature, was born June 28, 1935, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. She was a daughter of the late Malcolm and Jeannetta (Edge) Koons. Bertie was married on August 23, 1958, to the late Dr. Filadelfo Tan Diaz, who died September 17, 1989.

Bertie was a 1953 graduate of Central Catholic High School and later graduated from both St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing and West Chester University.She was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, Exeter Township.  She was also a long-time member of St. Aloysius Church, Pottstown. Bertie was employed as a registered nurse with St. Joseph Medical Center and later as a school nurse, working various assignments in the Pottstown area.

She was active with St. Aloysius Church, having run many successful blood drives as well as participating in the bereavement ministry and rosary group.  She also volunteered for the Pottstown Hospital Auxiliary Board, St. Joseph's Food Pantry and the St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter. Bertie loved staying active through tennis and walking, and she always enjoyed a good book or a game of bridge. While she had many hobbies and friends, nothing compared to the time she spent with her family. 

She is survived by four children: Philip T., husband of Donna (Tait) Diaz of Columbus, Ohio; Bernadette M. Diaz, wife of Mark Trinka of Oak Park, Illinois; Theresa M. Diaz, wife of Scott Robertson of Reading; and Joseph A., husband of Judith (Koegler) Diaz of Providence, Rhode Island.

Bertie cherished her 13 grandchildren: Elizabeth Diaz, wife of Jonathan Wilhelm; Philip Diaz II, husband of Haley (Bigler) Diaz; Christopher Diaz; Luke Trinka, husband of Samantha Stein; Tess Trinka, fiancee of Aidan French; Lin Robertson; Maya Trinka; Stephanie Diaz; Meg Robertson; Mark Trinka; Samuel Robertson; Thomas Diaz; and Mariluz Diaz. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Philip, JP, Vinny, Lilli, Rose, and Wyatt.

She is also survived by a brother, Fulton, husband of Suzanne (Bitler) Koons; a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Koons; a brother-in-law, James Auchter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Mary Frances Diaz and Annette Diaz, and two siblings, Malcolm Koons and Margaret Auchter.

Bertie showed remarkable faith and grace throughout her life, even during her final illness.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 18th at 11:00 am in St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading, PA 19606.  

A visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am in the Church.

Burial will be held privately in St. Aloysius Cemetery, Pottstown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Mary Diaz Fund for Pancreatic Cancer at www.DiazTennis.org/donate DONATE or to St. Joseph Food Pantry, 1018 North 8th Street, Reading, PA 19604.

Stitzel Family Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Oley, is in charge of arrangements.  For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com

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