Doris M. (Marcellus) Bertrand

 Doris M. Bertrand, 97, Williamsville and formerly of Clayton, passed away Monday morning, July 15, 2024, at Beechwood Health Care Center, Getzville.

   Doris was born at the family home on State St. in Clayton on July 6, 1927, the daughter of Elton and A. Maude (Pennock) Marcellus. Doris was a 1944 graduate of Clayton Central High School and Plattsburgh State Teachers College for Nursing . 

   On October 15, 1949 she married Robert C. Bertrand in the rectory of St. Mary's Church, Clayton. Robert died August 27, 1995.

   Doris worked for over 40 years as a Registered Nurse, retiring from Jefferson County Public Health, Watertown. Doris and Bob Bertrand were the proprietors of Bertrands Motel through the 1970's into the early 1990's. Doris took care of all the gardening at the Motel. She was a life time gardener, had a wonderful talent for the flowers and plants, and her family called her the Master Gardener.

   She formerly attended Clayton United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed knitting and had made many hats, mittens, and scarves for family members over the years. She also made many beautiful Afghan blankets for family.

   She is survived by her daughter and her husband, Catherine A. and David Zeigler, Buffalo; son-in-law and his wife, Michael J. and Judy Becker, Niskayuna; five grandchildren, Jesse, Molly Rose, Matthew, Dominic and Amy; as well as six great-grandchildren, Emma, Seth, Isabel,  Abby, Finn and Jack; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with her husband, Robert, Doris was predeceased by her daughter, Susan M. Becker, June 8, 2008; 3 brothers, Adrian, Robert, and Leonard Marcellus; and two sisters, Alice Jean Getman and Marilyn Netto.

   A funeral service will take place at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton on Tuesday, August 27, at 11:00 am with Rev. Earl LaLone, pastor of Clayton United Methodist Church presiding, followed by burial in Clayton Cemetery. Online condolences to Doris' family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to your local American Cancer Society.

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