Martha Ann Bero

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Martha Ann Bero

June 14, 1934 ~ July 13, 2023

Martha Ann was born on June 14, 1934, in the tiny town of Sweets, a coal mining camp in Carbon County, Utah, to Marko Yelenich and Matilda Sluga. She forged the path for the siblings and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews all hoping to emulate the joy, devotion and love she consistently lent.

Ann attended Notre Dame School and graduated from Carbon High School in 1952. Ann married Bob Bero in 1957 and they were the proud parents to Rob, Chris, Helen and Marcie.

Over the years she worked in banking, as a receptionist, airport tour guide, development director at the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen and school bus assistant for children with special needs. In her spare time, she enjoyed catering events over the years.

For decades Ann served her community supporting charitable causes and individuals in need. Ann was chosen as a torchbearer for the 1996 Olympics, Woman of the Year by both the Catholic Women’s League and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (she received this distinction twice). In 1998, Ann was inducted into the Salt Lake Council of Women Hall of Fame. Additionally, she was the president of her beloved Carbonites for several years. Most profoundly, Ann loved her children and grandchildren, leaving each a unique and indelible legacy of her goodness.

This genteel woman completed her course on July 13, 2023. She was preceded in death by her daughter Mary Christine, her brother Tony, her parents and her son-in-law Ken Rivera. Ann is survived by her children, Rob, Helen (Rick Van Wagoner), and Marcie; as well as her grandchildren Jake, JamieAnn, Wilder, Riviana; four bonus grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Ann is also survived by her sister Helen Shiflar, brother Marko Yelenich (Wilma) and sister-in-law Sue Bero Smales, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Special thanks go to mom’s CNAs Cristina and Viviane and her hospice team at CNS, especially her nurse Christy.

Ann requested no flowers but would always encourage a showing of kindness or a donation to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish or Exercise for Life Foundation. Her final act of grace was the donation of her remains to the body donor program at The University of Utah. Ann was remembered in a memorial Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on August 11, 2023.