Bertha Polites, 86, a 33-year resident of Elmhurst, died Tuesday, March 7, in Schaumburg. Born in Greenville, Pa., Mrs. Polites worked for United Airlines. She worked for the company’s accounting department at Midway Airport in the 1950s, but left her position after the birth of her daughter. She later returned to the airline and cleaned airplane cabins for about eight years. Mrs. Polites enjoyed her jobs largely because she had the opportunity to see relatives, including her husband and a cousin, who also worked for the airline. “It was sort of a family business,” said her daughter, Christine Polites Albrecht, who also works for United. “Though it’s a big company, it’s still very family-oriented.” In addition to her work, Mrs. Polites enjoyed cooking Greek specialties. Mrs. Polites was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst. Mrs. Polites is also survived by four step-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Pedersen-Ryberg Mortuary, 435 N. York Rd., Elmhurst. Prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday in the mortuary. Services will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 893 Church Rd., Elmhurst.
