North Tonawanda, NY - Bertha E. Shipton (nee Bova, Badame) of North Tonawanda, NY entered into rest July 15, 2026; Beloved wife of the late Edward E. Shipton and the late Peter F. Badame; devoted mother of Maureen Badame, Peter (Joanne) Badame, Justin (June) Badame, Barbara (Arthur) Kwiatkowski and Cynthia (Walter) Badame- Rodriguez; cherished grandmother of 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; loving daughter of the late James and Mary Bova; dear sister of Joseph David (Barbara) Bova and the late Dorothy (late James) Edwards, late Rudolph (late Patricia) Bova, late Rose (late Russell) Alaimo; also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may visit Lombardo Funeral Home (Northtowns Chapel) 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. (near Eggert and Sheridan) Amherst, NY on Thursday July 23rd from 11 AM - 1PM where a prayer service will immediately follow. Inurnment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Bertha's long life is marked by perseverance, independence, and a positive outlook. She was deeply loved by her family and maintained admiration and affection of many friends and neighbors.

Born June 2, 1922, Bertha lived through a lifetime of history highlighting the Great Depression, World War II, extensive medical and technological advances of the modern era, and man walking on the Moon. Her life was surprisingly simple and is a story of family and commitment.

At the age of 7, she found a lifelong passion of piano playing and shared this talent with others throughout her life. She graduated Grover Cleveland High School in 1940, found employment at Curtiss Wright during WWII, and later a private secretary for JN Adams Department Stores. She married Peter Badame in November 1941, had 5 children (Maureen, Peter, Justin, Barb and Cindy) while owning and operating 3 dry cleaning plants with her husband. After Peter's passing, she worked 3 jobs to support her family. Several years thereafter, she met her second husband Ted Shipton whom she married on July 8, 1978. They bought a home in North Tonawanda and lived a full life together. Bertha was an avid Buffalo Bills fan having attended all 4 Bills Super Bowl games and had an interest in golf, tennis, basketball, ice skating and variety of other sports.

Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren. She valued being a volunteer at Scholfield Nursing facility where she played piano for residents, being actively involved in her high school alumni class, and ensuring that every special occasion and birthday was acknowledged with a greeting card. Bertha had unique social graces that engaged everyone she met and warmed their hearts.

Several years following the passing of her second husband, Bertha moved to Wheatfield Commons bringing her zest for life with her. Her stories were numerous, extraordinary and vibrant. A few years thereafter, she became a resident of DeGraff Nursing Rehabilitation Facility where she was provided excellent care. Bertha's life was one of grace, resilience and quiet determination to remain connected to family, friends, and community.