Bertie Bee Gilbert (nee Stagman) of Delray Beach Florida, beloved mother,
grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at age 101.5 on July 26th, 2023 of
natural causes. "The idea is to die young as late as possible" (Ashley Montagu) is how
Bertie lived her life....An absolute force to be reckoned with, we thought she would live
forever, but she went exactly the way she wanted-peacefully, in her own home.

Born in 1922 to Nightclub owner, Charles (Curly) Stagman and Rose (Cook) Stagman in
Cincinnati, Ohio, Bertie was one of four children raised during the Great Depression.
This made an indelible mark on Bertie's drive, determination, and passion for fashion.
She became a successful business woman before it was en vogue. Bertie worked in the
Fashion Industry for over 40 years. She began her career as a buyer for Shillito's
Department Stores (Macys) in Cincinnati, and spent much time in New York City where
she met her husband, Henry Gilbert, a women's coat and suit manufacturer. Together
they built a retail chain of high end women's ready to wear clothing stores known
throughout Chicagoland including Bertie On Oak Street in Chicago, Bertie DelLago in
Wilmette, Bertie of Countryside in Palatine and Bertie's World of Fashion in Glenview
which she owned and operated for over 30 years. Bertie and Henry went on to a
successful Real Estate career throughout the 80's and 90's, building single family
homes in Buffalo Grove. They worked together throughout their marriage, a testament
to their devotion and commitment to one another. They were blissfully married for 35
years until Henry's untimely death in 1998. Anyone who knew them could see their
incredible love and respect for one another. And at 44 years old, she and Henry
welcomed their only child, whom they aptly named Joy.

Bertie spent her twilight years in Florida, to be closer to family and became a figure in
her Delray Beach community. She loved the theater and especially enjoyed entertaining
friends and family in her home. There was never a dull moment with Bertie. Whether
attending her dinner parties, witnessing her current events discussions, or hearing
about her globe trotting adventures, she would light up every room she entered with her
passionate spirit and love of life. She was quick witted and full of sass. She was an
amazing listener and provided guidance, love and support to countless friends and
family with her "Bertie Nuggets". All who knew her benefited greatly from her heart felt
advice. You could always count on Bertie to "tell it like it is" through her letters. Over
100 years of life experience gave her advice major credibility and insight, but it was
always given with complete and utter love.

Bertie is survived by her cherished daughter, Joy Monfried, son-in-law Daniel and her
two beloved grandchildren, Elle Rose and Calvin Henry, as well as nieces, nephews
and cousins.

Bertie Gilbert will be laid to rest at West Point Military Academy alongside her beloved
Henry with a celebration of life to follow. Date TBD.

"I've lived a life that's full, I traveled each and every highway. And more, much more
than this, I did it my way." (Frank Sinatra)