* Modest Bertram; High School Secretary

Modest Bertram, 81, of Ventura, who for 26 years was the attendance secretary at Nordhoff High School in Ojai, has died.

Bertram was born Jan. 20, 1915, in Hackett, Ark. An Ojai resident from 1953 till 1981, she worked at Nordhoff High until her retirement in 1976.

While in Ojai, she attended and served St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and volunteered many years with the Ojai Music Festival and the Ojai Tennis Tournament.

Bertram and her husband, Ralph, moved to Ventura in 1982. She joined St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Santa Paula. She was a member of the Episcopal Church Women, and served as corresponding secretary of the Bishop’s Guild of the Los Angeles Diocese.

The couple enjoyed trips to Japan and grew to love the country, said Bertram’s son, William.

The friendships led to Bertram becoming a volunteer coordinator for educational development for the International-Pacific English Language Institute, a position she held for 15 years, opening her home, organizing and hosting events for Japanese students.

Bertram was a volunteer docent and receptionist for the Ventura County Museum of History and Art, and a volunteer for the Friends of the Library, serving as past coordinator for trips and entertainment.

She was a longtime friend of and volunteer for Sen. Jack O’Connell (D-San Luis Obispo).

Bertram is survived by her husband, Ralph; son William Bertram of Loomis; granddaughter Christina Bertram of Loomis; grandson Travis Bertram of Loomis; and brother Harry Roberts of Lomita.

Memorial services will be held July 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Santa Paula. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.