Like Zacchaeus in the Gospel, Sr.M.Bertha was short of stature but single-hearted in the pursuit of her one goal: to see Jesus. Whether she was filling the Clyde chapel with organ music on feast days, laughing at the jokes played on her by the postulants on her July 4th nameday, connecting with profound compassion to people writing of their needs to the correspondence department where she faithfully answered their letters, or whatever she was called to do, Sr. M. Bertha was magnanimous in her response to life. Liturgy was her great love. One would readily catch the spark of her enthusiasm during practice and the Divine Office. Music was an important part of her home-life, since her brother, George, played the violin and encouraged her to play the piano so that they could play together. (The first time they did this was to surprise their father on a Christmas morning by waking him to the strains of "Silent Night.")

Mary Hildegard, called Hilda, was born Sept. 29, 1896, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the second of five children born to George and Caroline Nortmann. From an early age, Hilda thought about becoming a sister but after high school she attended a business college and worked for a few years with a Lumber Broker. She enjoyed parties and a good time with her friends, but also looked forward to her lunch breaks when she went to the church for a visit whenever possible. One summer she and some friends went for a retreat and it was during this time that she felt her vocation affirmed. Years before her mother had subscribed to "Tabernacle & Purgatory," a magazine Hilda loved. It was to the community of Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, MO that she felt attracted to. She often emphasized that the address CLYDE, MO "made it complete for me."

Her parents found it very difficult to allow her to enter the- Convent. Finally, an agreement was made: she would wait until her brother, George, returned from the army after World War I. As soon as he returned in 1918, she began to make preparations, so that she was ready to enter on June 24, 1919.

The first week she suffered severe homesickness so that she was very glad none of her family had accompanied her lest she would have returned home immediately. Sr .Benedicta Forschner, her postulant mistress, asked her how she was and she burst out crying saying she did not belong here. Sr. answered her, "Why, Hilda, I have never doubted your vocation!" With that a heavy load lifted from her and Hilda was peaceful and content to stay.

The date set for receiving the habit was in March but due to the severe Flu epidemic it was postponed till May 1, 1920. Because so many sisters were ill, Hilda was asked to help in the Correspondence Department. It was here that she spent a large portion of her life, answering letters and taking to heart the sorrows of the people asking for prayer, help and advice.

On Profession Day, August 20, 1921, she received the name, Bertha. Besides continuing work in the CD she also learned organ and Gregorian Chant from Sr. Edith Marie Kraus. Sr. M. Bertha was organist for 40 years. She also served as Mother Mary Dolorosa's subprioress in Mundelein, as prioress in Kansas City for three years, as Postulant Mistress for several years. General Councilor for a term of six years.

Since her health began to fail and she was suffering mild strokes. Sister was moved to St. Benedict Health Care Center on Sept. 23, 1981. She was still able to help with A.I.M. correspondence and faithfully made special cards to be sent in the name of the Sisters in Health Care. Her reverence before the Blessed Sacrament was an inspiration to all. A woman was so inspired by her obvious holiness that she came to her asking for help in the difficulties she was having. Sister gave this advice: "Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!"

Strokes weakened her body but she retained her radiant smile and sparkling eyes though she could no longer converse. On Sunday, Nov. 11, 1981. Sr. was anointed with sisters surrounding her bed and laying hands on her. The Gospel of the day was that of the Wise Virgins so early the next morning with her lamp burning she went “to see Jesus.”