Obituary of Elisabeth Bergen

Our dear mother, with her children by her side, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, MB.

Her life was 92 years, seven months, and eight days. Mom was content and calm. When asked how she was doing her answer was always, "I'm fine". She was blessed with health for most of her life, but when she got sick, she was very sick for six days. Then the Lord took her home.

She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Jacob Bergen, her parents, seven siblings, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law and two grandchildren in infancy.

Left to mourn Elisabeth's passing are her children: Helen Rempel, Henry Bergen (Tina), Jake Bergen (Elma) and Martha Bergen; 16 grandchildren and their spouses, 67 great-grandchildren and spouses and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Also left to mourn are two sisters-in-law.

Elisabeth was born on February 28, 1931, in New Bothwell, Manitoba. In 1948 she moved to Paraguay, where she was baptized on the confession of her faith in Jesus. This was also where she met the love of her life, Jacob Bergen, and they were married on August 27, 1950.

For Mom to bring food to the table for her husband and now growing family, she needed to work the farm and the garden; grocery shops were not readily available. In 1955, they moved back to Canada in hopes of an easier life. Here she worked at the sewing factory in Steinbach, and she was also sewing gloves for a company to bring in extra cash.

In 1968, they again moved to Paraguay where Mom cared for her aging father until he passed. In 1987, they moved back to Canada where she retired. Due to a fall, she has spent her life in a wheelchair since 2005.  

In April of 2014, Mom moved to the Menno Home in Grunthal.  Here she enjoyed attending the church services, Bible studies and Oh, how she loved playing games, especially bingo!

The viewing will take place on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 7:00 PM until 7:30 PM at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, M.B., with a devotional to follow.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, M.B., with a viewing prior to the service.  To join the family via livestream, please click HERE shortly before the service.

Burial will take place at the New Bothwell Sommerfeld Church Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Grunthal Menno Home Foundation.