Bertha Lee Hilton

Bertha Lee Motley Hilton, 89, of Schenectady, NY, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Ellis Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in February 1937, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Greene Motley and May Frances Motley of Coeymans, NY. She was one of six children and now joins her siblings in heaven.

At the age of 16, she met the love of her life, Alphonso Hilton Sr. They lived in Albany, NY, before eventually settling in Schenectady. Over the next 73 years, they built a home and raised seven children. For over 50+ years they were devoted Jehovah Witnesses of the Albany and Schenectady Congregation.

Bertha was a pillar of the Woodlawn community and a "Ma" to many children in the neighborhood. Known for her open heart and compassion for others, she brought that same care to her enormous and bountiful garden. Anything she touched grew, including the lives of her children and grandchildren.

In 1989, Bertha became a certified nursing assistant. She worked at Kingsway Arms and Albany Visiting Nurses and volunteered at Sunnyview. For decades, she served on the Woodlawn PTA and remained deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Her hobbies and passions included gardening, fishing, crafting, decorating her home, cooking, and baking. She was especially known for her famous rum balls, jams, dandelion wine, and "hot" fruitcakes. Bertha sang opera with Tuesday Musical for many years and always made a point of incorporating music into her home.

Those who knew Bertha knew that she was absolutely unapologetic. She was the "alpha female" before the term became popular - a force to be reckoned with. She influenced the lives of those around her through her food, counsel, guidance, and faith. Above all, she gave generously of herself.

The one and only "Sassy-Badassy" will be profoundly missed, but she will forever hold a place in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Alphonso; her children, Beverly (Larry), Laurel, Lonnie, Karen, and Carl (Odessa); her seven grandchildren, Aubrey, Frances, Sarah, Alphonso, Nathan, Carl Jr., and James; her great-grandson, Damonte; her great-great-grandson, Jahkai; and a host of nieces and nephews; and her cherished adopted son, Doug Ivey.

In addition to her parents, Rev. Greene Motley and May Frances Motley, Bertha was preceded in death by her sons, Alphonso Hilton Jr. and Garry Matthew Hilton; Garry's wife, Karen Hilton; and her siblings, Eva Motley Smith, Lenzy Motley, Joseph Motley, Jacob Motley, and Elsie Daniel Motley.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bertha's caregivers, including Casey and Samantha, as well as Dr. Micheline Ford and the staff at Ellis Hospital, for their gentle and compassionate care. The family also thanks Mohawk Ambulance Service and the Schenectady Fire Department for their support and care through the end of Bertha's life. Most importantly, the family expresses its deepest gratitude to Shanta Singh, CNA, for her dedication and the care she provided at home to both Bertha and Alphonso. The family would also like to express gratitude to her close friends Patricia Pignatello, Kyoko and Herbie Kuhn, Elsie Lefever, and Georgianna Washington; and all her Christian brothers and sisters.

The family also wishes to acknowledge Bertha's daughter, Karen, who remained a source of strength throughout her mother's final days. Her siblings are deeply grateful for the vital role she has played - and continues to play - in the lives of their parents.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10 am - 12 pm, with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 12:00pm, at Cannon Funeral Home, Colonie NY. Interment will follow at Grove Cemetery, Blaisdell Ave.,Coeymans, NY

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Bertha's name to Roots and Wisdoms, Cornell Cooperative Extension Schenectady County, CCE of Schenectady County- 107 Nott Terrace, Suite 301, Schenectady, New York 12308-3170 - or by clicking here.