Elizabeth Nemenzo Bertumen was a loving sister, mother, wife, grandmother, and dear friend to many. Born in Manila, Philippines, she was the youngest of five siblings. At the age of seven, she immigrated to the United States by ship on January 2, 1958, beginning a new chapter of life in San Francisco, California.

Growing up in San Francisco, Elizabeth showed a vibrant creative spirit from a young age. She loved painting, dancing, and reading, and her artistic talents emerged early in life. During elementary school, a painting she created of the Golden Gate Bridge won a local art contest. She was also highly skilled in mathematics and served as a majorette while attending Galileo High School in San Francisco.

After graduating from Galileo High School in 1969, she married Arsenio Huqueriza and later traveled across the country to Florida, eventually becoming the first woman to live on a naval base in the Bahamas.

Early in her adult years, Elizabeth worked in banking, where she formed two lifelong friendships with Luisa Stevenson and Elaine Diwa. After her first marriage, Elizabeth met Archer Bertumen at a disco in San Francisco. The two married in 1979 and built a loving blended family together.

In the early 1980s, while living in Olympia, Washington, Elizabeth opened her own clothing boutique, Nikker’s. After returning to the Bay Area, she continued her career in banking and lending, helping clients, family, and friends secure financing to purchase their homes.

Elizabeth’s most recognized legacy was her leadership of the renowned Tahitian dance group, Nemenzo, later known as Nemenzo Te Fare. For more than 30 years, she served as the group’s creative force and visionary leader. Under her direction, the group became widely known throughout California during the 1990s and 2000s, participating in competitions across California and in Nevada, Florida, Hawaii, France, Mexico, Japan, and Tahiti. Her relentless creativity and passion influenced countless dancers and inspired future generations of Tahitian dance groups.

In later years, Elizabeth continued innovating within the Polynesian dance community by creating Heiva i San Francisco, the first international virtual Tahitian dance and drumming competition. Through this work, her impact extended far beyond the stage and into a global community of performers, musicians, and artists.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her creativity, strength, generosity, and vibrant spirit. She leaves behind three children, five grandchildren, extended family, lifelong friends, and a community deeply touched by her life and legacy.

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