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Beatriz Mervine
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Visitation

2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Friday, September 22, 2017

Location:
Hindman Funeral Home (Frankstown)

Funeral Service

9:30 a.m.
Saturday, September 23, 2017

Location:
St. Francis Xavier Church

Betty was a bright beautiful soul, taken suddenly from us in a motor vehicle collision Sept 11, 2017 in Cresson, PA.  Betty was the second oldest of eight, born in Santa Fe, Leyte, Philippines, to Honoria Senecio and Manuel Postrero.  She grew up in harsh poverty, often missing school to work in the rice fields with her father, or selling vegetables with her siblings to make money for the family. She literally did walk miles barefoot both ways, on dirt roads, in the tropical heat and humidity, while carrying a heavy basket of vegetables on her head to sell.   Betty learned the value of faith, family, friends and discipline early on.  She was determined to get out of poverty, and make a better life for herself and her family. She worked hard and endured many hardships and trials to put herself through school, get out of the province, and move to the city of Manila.  She attended university by day and worked hard at night, till she graduated with honors as a midwife. She became a role model and mother figure for her siblings, nieces and nephews, helping and encouraging them to get their education.    Betty earned a job with the Makati Medical Ctr as a Public Health Midwife.  At this young age, she already loved helping and serving people.  Yet, she knew there was more. She had more goals and dreams to work toward. She became penpals with an American gentleman named, Wilmer, in the early 1970’s, came to the US in 1975, and they soon were married. Another chapter began in a new world. She worked hard to fine tune her English, learn the culture, history, make friends, and find her way around. She gave birth to a baby girl in 1976. Wilmer requested their baby girl be named after Betty’s sister, Lucretia, who passed away as a little girl. Betty was so proud to become a naturalized US citizen in 1980.  She was the only one of her siblings to immigrate to the USA, while others moved to Denmark.  Betty found her first home church at St Barnabus in Johnstown, PA, and instilled the Catholic faith into her daughter from day one. She integrated into the local Filipino Community and made amazing lifelong friends.   Her husband became ill with muscular dystrophy early in their marriage. She never left his side. Still a stranger in a strange land, she never gave up and held fast to her faith.  Like a wonder woman, she took care of her daughter and her physically handicapped husband who was deteriorating monthly.   After her husband’s passing, she and her daughter moved to Cresson, PA. where she remained till her final days. She found a new home church family at St Francis Xavier in Cresson, where she remained faithful and active.  She continued to travel back and forth to Johnstown for time with friends, shopping, and various activities. She was a diehard Pittsburgh Steeler fan and darn proud of it, aiming to never miss a game on TV. She loved music and encouraged her daughter to learn music. She made the most excellent delicious lumpia (eggrolls) and was always willing to cook some.  Betty met her treasured companion, Joe Barrett, in 2000. Together, they made many happy memories. They were best friends and always took care of each other.   She had a genuine love for animals, especially dogs, and always took such good care of pets. They brought such joy and comfort to her.  She spoke with pride and joy about her daughter’s dog, “Spirit,” and “Princey Poodle”, a dog she shared with her companion, Joe. Betty dedicated so much of her time and years to her daughter as a single parent, instilling values she held dear – Faith in God above all else, the power of prayer, to cherish family and friends, unconditional love, forgiveness, service, discipline. She also instilled pride in knowing where we came from, the Philippines and everything that meant. She always encouraged one to dream big and keep working toward your goals. She made so many friends in her journey of life – from the Philippines, to all over the US, and Denmark.Betty remained active in the Filipino Community Association of Altoona-Johnstown and continued to make friends there as well, even being called Ate’ or Tita  (Auntie);  while some considered her a second Mother. When family and friends think of Betty, they always use the words kindness and service. She truly believed and lived by the words, “So I give you a new command: Love one another deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways.” John 13:34.   Betty was always helping and taking care of friends and family, never expecting anything in return. She always had a listening ear and advice to give.  Above all, she always had love, her beautiful smile, and prayers to offer. Her Christian faith was an integral part of her entire life. Prayer and forgiveness so important.  She cherished and missed family so much, as distance separated them all. But, she never stopped praying for everyone. Betty was truly a beautiful soul who changed this world for the better by being in it. She made a lasting impact on all she encountered.  There is a huge gaping hole on earth today as we grieve. But yet, we must rejoice in knowing she is now dancing in Heaven with her brother, Savior, friend, and Lord, Jesus Christ. Betty is preceded in death by her husband – Wilmer Mervine, Jr ; parents – Manuel and Honoria Postrero; sisters – Lucretia Postrero and Gliceria Maratas.  Survived by – daughter – Lucrecia Mervine ; dearest faithful companion – Joseph Barrett ; brother – Francisco Postrero ; sisters – Constancia Wagner, Lourdes Hansen, Luzviminda Danielsen, Pacita Postrero Andreasen; and numerous nieces and nephews in Denmark and Philippines. Friends will be received Friday, September 22 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 1521 Frankstown Rd. A 9:30 a.m. memorial mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 23 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 211 Powell Avenue Cresson, PA 16630, Father Leo Arnone will be officiating. A reception at Westwood Fire Hall, 1805 Goucher St, Johnstown, PA will follow at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it has been requested that monetary donations be made to the family to offset funeral costs. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans & Family Memorial Care,” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com.

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