Bertha “Bette” M. Dorval, 95, of Columbus, died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, in LaurelWoods Assisted Living, Columbus.

Born May 16, 1918 in Manchester, NH, she was the daughter of the late George and Edith Persons Owen. She attended the Manchester, NH school system graduating from Central High School, later earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Keene Teachers College, and  a  master’s degree in speech science and a certificate of advanced graduate studies in speech pathology from Boston University.

Mrs. Dorval spent 28 years in the Manchester school system. She  was a speech pathologist in nursing homes, Easter Seals and the Cancer Society. A member of the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association with an ASHA certification, she was also a member of the N.H. Speech, Language, and Hearing Association where she held many offices. Ms. Dorval was a member of the Manchester Education Association and Retired Educators Association. She helped to rehabilitate and develop communication skills for laryngectomees connected with the N.H. Cancer Society for 18 years. She was also a member of the NU Voice Club and Center Harbo Women’s Club.  An avid golfer, she was a member of the NH Women’s Golf Association and former member of Derryfield CC, Manchester CC and Waukewan CC.  Bertha was a member of the First Congregational Church in Meredith, N.H. She loved animals, flowers, gardening, canning and reading.

Surviving are: a daughter, Janice D. Dorval of Tryon; a son, Jay Owen Dorval (Carol) of Costa Rica; and a sister, Gladys Baker of Candia, NH. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will occur in New Hampshire at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to: Animal Rescue League of N.H., 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH, 03110, or The First Congregational Church, 4 Highland Street, Meredith, NH 03253.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.