Marquette––Helen V. “Jean” Bertrand, 92, of 222 South Fifth Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Monday afternoon, April 16, 2007, at her residence.
Jean was born a twin on September 23, 1914 in Marquette, a daughter of Joseph E. and Katherine L. (Kruse) Bertrand. She attended the Bishop Baraga School and graduated from Villa Scholastica High School in Duluth, MN. She graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, and taught chemistry and other sciences at the college. In between activities, she was high school counselor and authored some published poetry. Additionally, she authored some technical articles which were published in The American Journal of Medical Technology and other professional journals. Jean resided in Virginia for a time and, while there, served as editor of the Medical Technology Journal of Northern Virginia, “The Technoscope.” She was, at the same time, a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Virginia Society of Medical Technologists. She also assisted in setting up the system for Civil Defense for Northern Virginia. Later, she took a position as head of the laboratory at the Clinic of Internal Medicine in Milwaukee, WI. In 1960, Jean returned to Marquette where she was head of the laboratory in the offices of Internal Medicine, of which Dr. Wright was senior internist. Jean retired in 1976 and then studied genealogy from Brigham Young University and became certified in Genealogy. In 1981, she was asked to take the part-time position of secretary at the former St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a position she held until the closure of the church in 1986. Jean was very active in several genealogical societies, particularly in the Acadian Genealogical Society. She assisted many people with their genealogical problems and many friendships were formed. She was a Benedictine Oblate, affiliated with St. Anselm Abbey in Washington, DC.
Survivors include her sister, Alice Olson of Marquette; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her twin sister, Thecla Bertrand; and sisters, Katherine VandeCreek and Antoinette “Toni” Burke.
Friends may call at the Bishop’s Room at St. Peter Cathedral on Wednesday, April 18, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon Wednesday in the Cathedral with Rev. Frank Ricca as celebrant. A reception for family and friends will follow in Cathedral Hall. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.