Bertha MacDonald

March 20, 1972 - November 26, 2020

On Thursday, November 26, 2020, Bertha Chanco MacDonald passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a long battle with breast cancer. Bertha was born on March 20, 1972 in Huancayo, Peru. She was the first of three children to Dominica Roman and Olimpio Chanco. After graduating high school Bertha came to the United States where she attended college in Bakersfield, California. She graduated in 2002 with a Masters Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Bakersfield. Bertha was employed as a social service worker for the Kern County Department of Human Services where she helped many clients with services to help them become self-sufficient. She was a very caring person and loved to help people. After graduating, she moved to Sacramento to be closer to her brother. Bertha donated her bed and mattress to one of her clients, a family of migrant farm workers that had no furniture. The children slept on the floor. That was Bertha. That was her heart. In Sacramento she began working for the State of California. Bertha transitioned and was promoted to various departments during her time working there. It was while working for the State of California that Bertha met the love of her life, Scott MacDonald. She knew early on that he was “The One!” The two were married on May 28, 2005. Bertha had a passion and a zest for life. She cherished every moment. She was grateful for every new day. Bertha loved spending time with her husband, family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining during the holidays. Bertha also loved to dance and she loved music. She enjoyed watching her husband perform in his band. She was his number one fan. Bertha was also a runner and enjoyed running along many trails with her husband, friends, and running groups. She made friends very easily and had a very strong support system of girlfriends. Bertha cherished her husband and family and her nieces and nephews. She also adored her two furry puppies, Lilo and Stitch who brought much comfort and joy to her life. Her babies never left her side during her illness. They took good care of their mommy. Because of her illness Bertha knew how precious life was and she always strived to make memories. Bertha had a contagious laugh and a bright smile that could light up a room. Even when Bertha was dealing with her illness, she always wanted to know how others were doing. She was always thinking of others before herself. Bertha was strong and fierce in her battle with cancer. She had a strong will to live. She was courageous and brave. She fought to live. Bertha had a strong faith in God. She believed in the power of prayer and was always grateful for the many prayers that were spoken over her life from family, friends, and pastors near and far. Many people in the United States and in her homeland in Peru prayed for Bertha and she truly believed it’s what kept her going all these years. She drew strength from her faith in God and many times her and her best friend prayed together, always drawing hope and strength from God. And now Bertha has been released to her Heavenly Father. And heaven shines brighter today because she is there. Bertha is whole and full of joy and laughter in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Take comfort in that all who mourn. Bertha is survived by her husband Scott MacDonald, two stepsons Ryan and Aaron, her mother and father Dominica Roman and Olimpio Chanco, stepmother Nom, siblings Angeles Akhoon and husband Sulaiman, Christian Chanco and wife Lea. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.