Sandra Gwen Bertz Obituary – The Arizona Republic

Sandra Gwen Bertz

Scottsdale – Sandra Gwen Bertz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 23, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona from the effects of Parkinson’s disease. Sandy was born on January 1st, 1934 in Mansfield, Ohio and was the daughter of Robert and Barbara Nichols. She was also a beloved sister to Bobby, Jack, Tom and Jim Nichols. She moved to Mississippi in her youth due to her father, Col. Robert J. Nichols, being transferred there as an attorney for the United States Army. Her mother was from Rhyl, Wales and moved to the United States in her late teens.

Sandy graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. While in her senior year at Miami, she met her future husband, James E. Bertz, and they became known as a “Miami Merger”. Sandy was married to Jim for nearly 65 years. Sandy became a teacher and supported Jim as he attended dental school in Ohio. After Jim graduated, they moved to Texas where they lived for many years. During this time, they spent a year in England and Sandy was able to meet her relatives in Devon. Jim and Sandy eventually relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona.

Sandy became a real estate agent during her time in Arizona. She loved to play tennis and bridge and was always happy to spend time with family and friends. Sandy is survived by her children, Jim, Bob, Stephen and Jennifer, her grandchildren, Kenzie, Ashley, Alex, Milly, Virginia, Delta, Nora, Maddie, Max and Emma and one great grandchild, Lila.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. We will gather to remember and celebrate her life on April 26th, 2022 at 2pm at Pinnacle Peak Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org.