In September, Bertha Mendoza, an employee of Impact Plastics Inc. in Erwin, Tennessee, was swept away during a flood caused by Hurricane Helene while trying to bring her and other workers to safety. Bertha had celebrated her birthday on September 2 along with her son Guillermo and grandson. They had a family gathering on September 21, where they enjoyed Bertha’s famous tres leches cake. Bertha was a proud mother of four children and a loving grandmother. She was described as the healer and backbone of the family, always bringing them together for celebrations and providing counsel during difficult times.
Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, Bertha moved to the United States with her husband and children in 1998 to settle in Erwin. She was a devoted member of the Centro Cristiano Siempre Gozosos church in Johnson City, Tennessee, where her children also attended. Bertha was known for her love for her grandchildren and her caring nature towards others. On the morning of September 27, amidst the flooding, Bertha made emotional phone calls to her children and husband, expressing her love and uncertainty about her situation at the plant. She urged her loved ones to stay safe and informed them that it might be their last conversation.
Despite efforts from family members to reach Bertha during the flooding, they were unable to get close to her due to the rising waters. Tragically, Bertha’s last words to her family were declarations of love and concern for her children. Authorities reported that three people had died and ten were missing in the floods caused by Hurricane Helene. Survivors from the plant mentioned that supervisors should have let them leave earlier or not have had them work that day at all. An official investigation is underway to determine accountability for the situation.
Guillermo, Bertha’s son and a minister at the First Baptist Church of Erwin, expressed a range of emotions from anger to sadness and ultimately acceptance following his mother’s tragic death. He shared that despite the pain of loss, he finds some comfort in knowing that his mother is now at peace in a better place. Guillermo highlighted his mother’s caring nature and the positive impact she had on those around her. He noted that planning Bertha’s funeral service was a difficult task, but he aimed to honor her memory and the lives she touched.
Bertha Mendoza’s death during the flood caused by Hurricane Helene has left a deep void in the hearts of her family and community. Her legacy as a loving and compassionate individual who brought people together for celebrations and provided strength in times of need will be remembered. As the investigation into the events surrounding the tragedy continues, Guillermo and his family are focused on honoring Bertha’s memory and finding peace in knowing that she is in a better place. Their faith and cherished memories of Bertha serve as a source of solace as they navigate this difficult time of mourning and remembrance.
