Tribute

   My mother was the oldest of 6 surviving children and so from a young age was called to take care of others.  She was born in New York(Russia)which was occasionally misunderstood to be the other New York. At aged 16 she walked with her mother and 5 siblings from the Ukraine to western Europe in the face of a raging war around them.  Mom and her mother prayed and trusted in the Lord and graciously they were  protected and reunited with their father after the war.     Her life then took her to Paraguay, South America.On a trip to the village store emerged a handsome stranger who tipped his hat and formally introduced himself as Kornelius Bergen.She exclaimed to her family that day”I have met a real gentleman today”  And so began  life with her one true love – her husband for the next 66 years.  They had a son Arthur and a daughter Dorothea and moved to Canada.    Family was and always remained her top priority throughout her life. Barely established in Winnipeg, my mother made trip after trip to the immigration office to apply for her and my father’s families to immigrate to Canada. The office clerk got to know her and once remarked ”So who are we bringing over this time?”

Education was always a priority to her.  She was to be a teacher but the war interfered with her dream.  So instead she supported, encouraged and cajoled family members to take advantage of the precious gift of education. At her grandson Michael’s wedding recently she addressed the guests about the value and privilege of education.  .It was received with love and  approval.

    She enjoyed bestowing her love on others.  Annually she loved baking her special almond Christmas cookies and shipping them to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Winnipeg. She happily volunteered in the coffee shop at Garden Park tower for over 15 years.  She lovingly cared for my father in his early years of dementia.      She enjoyed sharing the bounty of her garden with others. She loved flowers, particularly bright coloured carnations.  Flowers and reading her kindle book reader were her solaces in late life while she continued to miss and grieve her recently deceased son and husband.       My mother’s walk with Christ was unfailing.Her strength and solace came from Him.Her membership in Ebenezer church was vital to her.Pastor Artur and her fellow members provided her Christian life with meaning, support and love.     In her last times she prayed to her heavenly father to take her home and reunite her with her son and husband. Praise God for His great mercies.He answered her prayers.    My mom loved richly and was loved, hers was a full life.   

    She is survived by her daughter Dorothea Bergen and husband Drew Scheele, grandson Michael Jones and wife Liz, step grandsons Aron Jones, Chris Scheele and wife Lina, Brian Scheele and partner Megan Brenner; step granddaughters Andrea Morgan and husband Tom and children Ben and Lucy Morgan and Jessica Scheele.

  She is survived by daughter-in-law Lorie Bergen, grandsons Adam Bergen, Paul Bergen, granddaughter Heidi Bergen, great grandsons Colin, Maxwell and Henry Bergen, Jacob Samuels, Oskar and Oliver Bergen, and by great granddaughter Greta Bergen.

    In lieu of flowers donations to the charity of your choice to help feed the hungry gratefully accepted.