Salem – Bertha T. (Kulakowski) Avigian 97, beloved wife of over seventy-two years to the late John Avigian, slipped away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at the Seasons of Danvers.

Born and raised in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Roman and Teresa (Fay) Kulakowski. She received her education at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Salem and graduated from the Salem Commercial School where she studied nursing.

As a young woman, during World War II, Bertha had been employed at Hytron in Salem where she worked in a guarded, locked room by herself doing secret work for the company. She dedicated most of her life to raising and caring for her family.

A resident of Salem for most of her life and dedicated to her faith, Mrs. Avigian was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church in Salem. She was an accomplished in sewing, needlework and knitting. Known for her culinary talents, she enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. The last words she spoke prior to her passing was “I love you.” She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend who will be missed by all who knew her.

Surviving her are two daughters, Joan Swayne of Salem and Patricia Blanchard and her husband, Bruce of Wenham, a son, John S. Avigian and his wife, Carole of Salem, five grandchildren, Scott M. Avigian, John W. Avigian, Shawn Blanchard and his wife, Charmaine, Adam Blanchard and his wife, Amy and Meghan Dezinno and her husband, Matthew, nine great grandchildren, Aaron Avigian, Claire Dezinno, Ashley DellaCroce and her husband, Mark, Adam, Amanda, Andrew, Cameron, Riley and Flynn Blanchard, many nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law, Dick Avigian and his wife, Gerry and Mike Avigian and his wife, Dotty and sister-in-law, Evelyn Kulakowski. She was also the mother of the late Paul Leo Avigian and sister of the late Rita, Martha, Gertrude, Marie, Arthur, Frederick, Richard, Vincent, William, Raymond and Joseph.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary Queen of the Apostle Parish-Immaculate Conception Church, 15 Hawthorne Blvd., Salem, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.