Berta Marta McGuire

Berta Marta McGuire, age 89, passed peacefully on October 24, 2024.

She was born to Michel and Ida (Borm) Gintaut on July 9, 1935 in Medischkehmen, East Prussia, (present day Lithuania). She spent her youth in Neumunster, Germany.

While visiting family in Youngstown in the summer of 1958, she met William “Wally” McGuire. They were married in March of 1959 and made their home in Youngstown and later, Poland, Ohio for over 58 years.

Berta retired from Strouss-Hirshberg Department store in downtown Youngstown, where she worked in the linen department. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and an honorary member of the Youngstown Maennerchor, active in the Ladies’ Auxiliary and choir for many years. She was a founding member of the Mahoning Valley Cribbage Club and was a championship-level cribbage player, enjoying success in regional and national tournaments.

Known as “Tante Mausi,” she was adored by her family and treasured for her kindness and sweet nature. She loved gardening, cooking, baking and entertaining, and was a generous hostess for many family gatherings. She was an animal lover but had a special place in her heart for cats.

She will be deeply missed by nieces, Karin DiNardo of Canfield, Inge (Michael) Farragher of Galveston, TX, Heidi (Glenn) Garwig of Boardman, Elayne (Lawrence) Bozick of Lowellville, and June Gintaut, Ruth Clarkson, Sally Davis and Susan Gintaut, all of Great Britain; and nephews, Richard (Robin) Strupkus, of Leander, TX, Michael (Carolyn) McGuire of Twinsburg, Robert McGuire (Alex Martinez) of Frederick, MD, and David McGuire (Tom Dennis) of Cotati, CA, Berta will also be fondly remembered by beloved grandnieces and nephews and many extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Frieda Schwederski; and brother, Heinz Gintaut.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Inn at Walker Mill and Briarfield at Ashley Circle, as well as Ohio Living Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.on Saturday November 2, 2024 with a memorial service to immediately follow at Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Dr., Youngstown, OH 44512. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Berta’s memory may consider a contribution to Angels for Animals, 4750 South Range Rd., Canfield, Ohio, 44406 (angelsforanimals.org)

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.