Bertha Rose Dorman, 94, of Villa Hills, KY passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. She was a loving sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother (Oma), friend, neighbor, and teacher. Her life of nurturing began in her teenage years when she worked in a local hospital as a candy striper volunteer. When her children were both of school age, she began going to night school to earn her college degree. Soon thereafter she began substitute teaching in the Covington School System and later had her own fifth grade class at 9th District School. Following her retirement from teaching she volunteered for 15 years with St Elizabeth Hospice. Bertha was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Runyan Memorial Christian Church in Latonia, KY. The profound impact she had on so many lives is best told by the many former students, and fellow teachers who continued to stay in touch with her more than 30 years after her retirement. Each of them has their own unique story of how her caring and love for them changed their lives. For her teaching was not just a job, it was a calling. She took a personal interest in every student and inspired them to have confidence in themselves and to do their best. They recall her reading them books in class, taking them on field trips, teaching them to sing Silent Night in German, and leading them in class projects. All of those things had a resounding message of kindness towards others that seemed to instill high moral character in so many of these young people. To see the outpouring of love from those whose lives she touched is overwhelming. She continually received gifts, flowers, letters, and visits from former students. Just one week prior to her death she received a letter from a former student commending her for the impact she had on her life. Her writing went on to describe how she thought of her as she sought out and read some of those books Ms. Dorman read to her in 5th grade and was now reading them to her child. That is just one example, of the many, who have reached out to her over the last three decades. Her memory and legacy of loving and caring for others shall live on thanks to those young 5th graders who never forgot Ms. Dorman. Bertha was preceded in death by her parents: Hugh and Martha Broughton. She is survived by her children: James Hugh (Pamela) Dorman and Julie Ann Dorman; sister: Mildred B. Ackley (George) Delp; grandchildren: Christopher H. (Angela) Dorman and Matthew W. Dorman and great-grandchildren: Aidan Clare Dorman and Cayleigh Addison Dorman. A Memorial Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Connley Brothers Funeral Home, 11 East Southern Avenue, Latonia (Covington), KY 41015 from 12:00 PM (Noon) until the memorial service at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: St. Elizabeth Hospice, 483 South Loop Drive, Edgewood, KY 41017, Runyan Memorial Christian Church, 3625 Decoursey Avenue, Covington, KY 41015 or Action Ministries 4375 Boron Dr. Covington, KY 41015. Online condolences may be expressed on Facebook or at www.connleybrothersfuneralhome.com
Condolences
Sandra Hughes Petty - Dec 3, 2021
My condolences go out to the family. She was an outstanding teacher, person and touched so many lives. I also can say she was my favorite teacher.
Pam Fisk - Nov 26, 2021
So sorry to just hear this today. She was as beautiful as ever!! Blessings of peace to Jimmy and Julie
Rhonda (Treadway) Smith - Nov 21, 2021
Mrs. Dorman will be missed. Praying for the Dorman family.
Collette Washington - Nov 21, 2021
God knew what he was doing when he made Bert!! Sweetness woman I ever met Bert rest in heaven love you !!!
Peggy Burkett - Nov 20, 2021
Julie and family of Bert, I was so sorry to hear of her passing. She was such an incredible woman and I'm so glad I got to know her in my lifetime. I hope knowing that others care gives you some comfort. Families are forever. Peggy
Prescott Osterbrock - Nov 19, 2021
Mrs. Dorman was such a wonderful person. She was always kind, loving and supportive. She had the ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world. She loved going to the beach with family and even went para sailing. I feel so blessed to have known her!
Stacey Adams Kelly - Nov 18, 2021
We will miss our beautiful, kind, sweet cousin. We love you Jim, Pam, Julie and family. The many Adams stories passed down of Bertha Rose and Mildred visiting the farm. The many stories of our Swiss heritage that Bertha Rose shared. I am thankful foe the evening Bertha Rose taught us how to make our special family cookie at Jim and Pam’s. I will treasure this memory along with so many more.
Shaunna Cockrell-Harris - Nov 18, 2021
I was saddened to hear about the loss of such a sweet soul. I have some many fond memories of Mrs. Dorman. She certainly touched lives and she did mine. She had a way about her that you just knew she cared. I actually took my first ferry ride across the Ohio River with her. It was on the day that she took a select few of us fossil hunting. It was such a treat. I can still remember us singing Oh Tannebaum, her reading the Call of The Wild, and doing a class report on Switzerland. She made you feel important. The impact she had on me, led me to keep in touch with her through my adult life. I could just hear the shear joy on the other end of the phone when we talked. She was such a bright light for so many. I hope she is looking down and feel the love and lasting impression she had on so many. To her family, I hope you can turn this sadness into some joy knowing that the lady you loved, was loved by many. To her family, Ihope in the days ahead that you find peace and comfort. Cherish all the memories of this beautiful soul.
Marsha Moeller-Moore - Nov 18, 2021
Such a wonderful teacher and a kind soul. Many memories of her reading books to the class (The Witch on Blackbird Pond, Johnny Tremain, to name a few). I had her for 5th grade at Ninth District Elementary and also for advanced reading 5th & 6th grades. I loved the murals we would paint on the back wall. I still have the Christmas tree ornament (bell) she gave me - and she taught us to sing Silent Night in German. Truly one of kind and my favorite teacher for sure - prayers to the family 🙏
Sebrina Ragle(Lovensheimer) - Nov 18, 2021
Mrs. Dorman was my favorite teacher. She taught me that reading was fun and never giving up on myself. She often called my mother even as late as lady year checking on us. I cherished the bracelet she got me for high school graduation. I still use it when I need to up my positive thoughts. I am so sad but I know she has served Her time and God may need an angel with her skills in heaven. Love you forever.
Tony Lovensheimer - Nov 18, 2021
Mrs. Dorman has meant so much to my life over the years and it all is because of how she was able to inspire all of her students to learn and care about each other. Her impact will be felt for years to come. Such a wonderful woman and teacher. I am so sorry for the family's loss.
Lynn Caudill-Wash - Nov 18, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear this. Mrs. Dorman was such a good teacher. My brother Doug and I both had her for fifth grade at Ninth District. I loved how she read books to us. My Favorite was Johnny Tremain. I still have the cross stitch burlap wall hanging we did in 75-76. I have it hanging in my office at work. My family use to go camping a lot growing up, and sometimes I couldn't wait to get back home so I could show her the fossils I found on out trips . She will be missed. My condolences to all of her family and friends.
April Corona - Nov 18, 2021
Thank you for being the best substitute teacher back in 1964. You made such an impact on my life that I am forever grateful for. Thank you for being a very dear friend. I will miss you today and always but very thankful I was there your last day on this earth to see you off to your next journey. God bless you and I pray for strength for your family.
Ralph Lohman - Nov 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss, Jim and Julie.
Linda Connley Cameron - Nov 18, 2021
I have such fond memories of Mrs Dorman from Runyon Memorial. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say. May she join other members of Runyon Memorial in a joyful reunion in heaven.
Michael Sears - Nov 18, 2021
So sorry to hear this , she will always be my favorite teacher. Rest in peace .
Heather Singleton-Robinson - Nov 18, 2021
Mrs Dorman was a gift to each of her students. I do remember all the fun things she did with us like fossil hunting, cross stitching, learning Oh Tannenbaum and singing at the nursing home. She read us books that I have reread over the years and now share with my daughter. She was the best teacher I ever had, truly one of a kind. Thank you Mrs Dorman for everything.
Sue Armstrong (Silbernagel) - Nov 18, 2021
Mrs. Dorman was my all time favorite teacher. So sorry to hear this and thought about her often. I can still remember her taking us out on I275 when it was first being built and we looks for fossils. In still have the trilobite fossil that we found that day! Making the murals in our classroom was a another great memory. She had such an impact on so many kids. She will be missed.
Cindy Wehr Hughes - Nov 18, 2021
What an amazing lady and beautiful tribute! Mrs. Dorman will be truly missed. Growing up across the street, I have many great memories of time spent at the Dorman house. Her love of learning definitely influenced me as I became an educator as well. The Dorman family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Robin Stolz Cox - Nov 18, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing teacher and mentor to me. I have thought of her often throughout the years. She had a huge impact in my life and I will remember her always! She truly loved her students as if they were her own! She will be truly missed by all that knew her.
Tina Forte - Nov 18, 2021
I had the pleasure giving care to her for 7 years. She truly was so special in so many ways & humble about it. I'm so happy I could keep my promise by taking care of at her home until she passed! She will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her!💙
Marla Yeager Rhoden - Nov 17, 2021
She was my favorite teacher. I have thought about her over the years. I don’t remember learning songs in German but I do remember the burlap pictures. I loved doing those. I mostly remember her for the way she treated me and knew she cared for me. What a wonderful teacher.
Tammy Morgan Spenlau - Nov 17, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss! I’m another student that absolutely adored her.
Janet & Joe Duncan - Nov 17, 2021
Bert Dorman was a truly sweet lady and wonderful friend us and to so many others. We will miss you "Mama."
