Bertha A. Guerrero (nee Castellanos)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bertha Alicia Guerrero (nee Castellanos), of St. John, Indiana, who departed this world after a courageous battle with illness.  She passed away surrounded by the love of her family on September 26 at the age of 76.

Bertha was born on October 20, 1947 in Joconoxtle and raised in Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico. In 1956, she and her brothers and sisters came to the United States and moved to East Chicago, Indiana where she attended Field Elementary School and graduated from E.C. Washington High School in 1969.

Bertha worked in downtown Chicago for 35 years as a legal secretary, and she was the number one court interpreter for the City of Chicago during that time. In her retirement, she enjoyed caring for her grandchildren, and loved the company of her dog, Sirah. She loved immersing herself in quiet moments in her rose garden and listening to all the Mexican greats on her vinyls.

Bertha was the cherished mother of Ricardo, whom she loved with all her heart. Her relationship with her son was one of deep affection and mutual respect, a bond that only grew stronger with time. She also adored her daughter-in-law Dijana, embracing her as her own, and found immense joy in her cherished grandchildren, Steven, Tanya, Amanda, and Ricky, whom she was endlessly proud of. And she fawned over her great grandchildren Luai and Kais.

Bertha's resilience, grace, and unshakable faith carried her through even the most difficult moments. She found strength and comfort in her beliefs, which guided her throughout her life. Her devotion to her family was unwavering, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family takes solace in the many beautiful memories shared with her and the profound impact she had on their lives. Bertha will be missed deeply, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents Cleotilde and Jesus Argandona, three brothers Eduardo V. (Isabel) Castellanos, Ruben V. and Francisca Castellanos, and Jesse G. (Silvia) Argandona. She is survived by her son Ricardo (Dijana) Guerrero, grandchildren Steven Muvceski, Tanya (Feras) Musleh, Amanda Guerrero, Ricky Guerrero, and great grandchildren Luai and Kais Musleh, siblings Margarita (late Salvador) Arana, Miguel (Dora) Castellanos, Jose Luis (Francisca) Castellanos, Maria Castellanos, Rebeca Argandona, Yolanda Argandona, Victor Manuel Argandona, and Sharon (Luis) Valencia, numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by all her family.

May she rest in eternal peace in heaven with her beloved family.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave. Schererville, IN. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 4, directly at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3510 Deodar St., East Chicago, IN. Bertha will lie-in-state from 9:30 AM until time of Mass. Burial at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association: https://act.alz.org

Solanpruzinfuneralhome.com