Janice Loyce Bertman

Janice Loyce Bertman passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the age of 98. She was born in Houston to Jake and Eva Brand Wilkenfeld on April 8, 1927. Janice enjoyed attending the University of Texas in Austin, but her time was cut short as she was needed at home to care for her mother who had fallen ill. Her generosity and selflessness were apparent from an early age. Later, her favorite job was working at Sakowitz department store as a personal shopper, which makes sense because Janice was a big fan of shopping. In 1947, she met the love of her life, Marvin Bertman. When Marvin came to pick Janice up for their first date, he was very surprised to see Jake greeting him at the door. Marvin knew Jake as a big band trumpet player but had no idea he was Janice’s father. It was all meant to be because two years later, Janice and Marvin were married. They had two daughters, Marsha and Susan, whom they loved dearly. Much later, they became grandparents to Joel, Eve, and Jennifer, whom they adored. This gave Janice another opportunity to use her personal shopper skills. When their children were grown, Janice and Marvin enjoyed traveling throughout the US, and to Canada & Mexico. Janice was a very loving and giving person and a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved flowers and took pride in her lovely garden. She was also very creative and artistic, always making something. She knitted many scarves and hats, which she gave as gifts. She also decorated shirts and created beautiful pictures made of colored glass, among other projects. Janice was an excellent cook and baker. Everyone who knew her was aware of this, and among other dishes, were fond of her peach cobbler, baked squash, and especially her legendary brownies, affectionately known as “Aunt Janice’s brownies.” She loved to host family and friends for holidays and celebrations. Her smile and laugh were contagious, and she effortlessly spread joy to those around her. Preceding her in death are her parents, Jake Wilkenfeld and Eva Brand Wilkenfeld, her brother, Eugene Wilkenfeld, and sister-in-law, Rita Wilkenfeld. Surviving her are her children, Marsha (Malkah) Bertman, Susan Monsees, and son-in-law Richard Monsees, and grandchildren Joel Zaluska, Eve Monsees, and Jennifer Monsees. Heartfelt thanks go to her caregivers and Michael Pavlovich. A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet St., Houston, Texas 77074. Gathering after at KP’s Kitchen, 5427 Bissonnet St., Houston, Texas 77081. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to a charity of your choice.

Janice Loyce Bertman

April 8, 1927 - December 17, 2025