Edited by Daniel Allen
Mrs. Bertha G. Stevens, 84, mother of Dr. Marvin A. “Mal” Stevens of New York City, former Yale football star and coach, died at her home here Monday. She was the widow of Dr. Calvin G. Stevens, a Spanish-American war veteran who died here in 1946.
Born June 6, 1879, daughter of James M. and Jennie Bloomer Allen, in a sod house “in or near Lebanon, Kansas,” she was a life member in the “sons and Daughters of Soldiers of Colby, Kansas.”
“Soddies” was the name given to those pioneers who built sod huts for homes on the plains and prairies of several Western states.
A resident of Harwinton since 1939, she was vice chairman of the GOP Town Committee for seven years and a member of the 30th district Women's Republican organization.
She was also a member of Harwinton Grange, the Ladies Aid Society of Harwinton Congregational Church, and the Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.
In addition, to her son, she leaves two daughters, Mrs. Steven Dunn of Bethany and Mrs. Everett Nichols of Watertown, N.Y., two sisters and a brother; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Harwinton Congregational Church. The Rev. Robert D. Loggie, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in West Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
The Thompkins - North Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.