BERTALAN, Mariam Izhar's Obituary
Mariam Izhar Bertalan was born on May 16, 1989 in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico to Jesus and Rebeca Raudales. On October 19, 2025 she passed away at the age of 36. As a beloved daughter, sister, wife and friend her departure leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew her.
Mariam was a vibrant, kind young woman whose unbreakable spirit and contagious laughter brightened the world around her. She had a unique gift for lifting the hearts of others, always inspiring them to find joy even in the darkest or smallest moments. Mariam was the kind of person who made you feel seen, heard, and loved. Her presence was truly a gift, and the memory of her radiant life will live on in all who were touched by her warmth and grace.
She lived a life full of passion, which connected her to both the world and the quiet comforts of home.
A Life of Song: Mariam always had a song in her heart, often heard humming or singing a tune throughout her day. Her playlists were eclectic, featuring favorites like Coldplay, Billie Eilish, and Twenty One Pilots. She was also a dedicated fan of musicals and musical biographies, often having them playing in the background as the soundtrack to her life.
The Global Explorer: She had a strong desire to explore the world and experience new cultures, taking her to destinations like Italy, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and much of the United States. One memory she recalled often and spoke of with profound impact was ascending the thousands of red gates at the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Kyoto, Japan. This memorable visit occurred during a particularly difficult part of her health journey and served as a lasting symbol of her resilience.
Gaming and Tranquility: Mariam’s lifelong interest in video games was sparked at a young age by her brother, Ramses Raudales, starting with the classic NES. Her gaming tastes were wide-ranging, including First Person Shooters, Strategy, Role Playing, and Simulation. One of the last games she found joy in was the farming simulation, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, which she said gave her a deep sense of tranquility and happiness.
The Art of the Stitch: Though discovered later in life, Cross Stitching quickly became a passion. She found deep satisfaction in watching her patterns come together one stitch at a time. Her enjoyment was contagious, as she even got her friends to join in, sharing finished patterns and creating a small community around the needle and thread.
She will be deeply missed by her husband Laszlo, her brother Ramses, her parents Jesus and Rebeca as well as her extended Rivera and Raudales family.
Mariam’s family is honored to share one of her final wishes: a message of reconciliation and forgiveness. Rooted in the ancient Hawaiian tradition of Hoʻoponopono — a practice for making things right—Mariam wished to spread this simple yet profound message:
"I love you, thank you, I'm sorry, please forgive me"
What’s your fondest memory of Mariam?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mariam?
Share a story where Mariam's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mariam you’ll never forget.
How did Mariam make you smile?