Bertha "Pota" Gonis
February 9, 1950 ~ August 28, 2026
Born in:
Brooklyn, NY
Resided in:
Commack, NY
Bertha “Pota” Gonis, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and kindness. Born on February 9, 1950, in Brooklyn, NY, Bertha was the cherished daughter of James and Bessie Lymber.
Bertha was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to nurturing her family. She married her husband, Louie Gonis, on February 6, 1972, and together they built a home filled with laughter and love. Their union was blessed with 5 children, Andreas, Angel, Jimmy, John and Bessie the family then grew and flourished, with 18 grandchildren Elias, Demi, Kristos, Denise, Nikki, Anastasia, Lexi, James, Jack, Libby, Louie, Billy, Nicholas, Matthew, Lucas, Iliana, Sophia and Ava who brought immense joy to Bertha’s life.
Predeceased by her parents, James and Bessie Lymber; her sister, Christine Lymber; and her son, Jimmy Gonis, Bertha is survived by her husband, Louie; her brother, Alex Lymber and her children, Andreas, Jennifer, Angel, Mario, Katie, John, Helen, Bessie and Rob. Together, they shared a lifetime of memories, love, and cherished moments through both the joys and challenges of life.
A woman of compassion and understanding, Bertha had an extraordinary ability to sense when someone was troubled. Her door was always open, and she offered a listening ear and comforting words to anyone who needed them. Her generous spirit was evident in her love for baking and hosting family gatherings during the holidays, where she created an atmosphere of warmth and joy.
Bertha found immense pleasure in sewing, needlepoint, and crocheting blankets, often creating beautiful pieces that she shared with her family and friends. These hobbies were more than just pastimes; they were expressions of her love and creativity, which enriched the lives of those around her.
Bertha will be deeply missed, but her memory will be cherished forever by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a breast cancer organization of your choice, in memory of Bertha and in honor of her sister, Christine, who held a special place in her heart.
Services
Visitation:
Monday, August 31, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home of Commack
2115 Jericho Turnpike
Commack, NY 11725
Second Visitation:
Monday, August 31, 2026
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home of Commack
2115 Jericho Turnpike
Commack, NY 11725
Service:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
11:30 am
St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church
1 Shrine Place
GREENLAWN, NY 11740
View current weather.
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Bertha "Pota" Gonis 's name.







We are so sorry for your loss. Pota lived her life wrapped up in the love of her children and grandchildren, who were truly the center of her world. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and will be dearly missed by us all.