Obituary of Elsie "Sandy" Bergen

Sandy passed away as she lived: faithful, without complaint, and encouraging her loved ones.

            A gracious host with a welcoming spirit, Sandy had a heart for including others into her family as one of her own, whether it was new in-laws or visiting students. She often called her in-laws, “sons and daughters-in-love.”

            Sandy was born in Chicago, IL, to Swedish immigrant parents Joel and Emma Johnson. Swedish was her first language, and her family gathered regularly with others at the local Viking Club, celebrating their common heritage. The family moved to a small farm in the Live Oak area in Santa Cruz in 1945. She loved singing, and sang soprano in the Rainbow Girls teen choir. She graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1947, and from the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (currently Biola University) in 1952.

            At the Twin Lakes Church youth group she met Ray Bergen in 1945, and they dated for five years until they were married in 1950. Theirs was a special love story, lasting through the years, with Ray calling Sandy his “angel” as she cared for him until his passing in 2015.

            After their first child was born in 1953, Sandy and Ray moved to Portland, Oregon where Ray attended seminary and Sandy taught elementary school. Two years later they moved to Boston, Massachusetts where Ray completed seminary. In 1957, they returned from Boston to Santa Cruz with three young children. Three more children were born in Santa Cruz by 1965.

            Sandy returned to teaching kindergarten at Live Oak Elementary in 1966, and had to learn how to drive to get to school. She taught an estimated 1,000 students there in her 35 years. She nurtured creativity and imagination in her students, and became known for her class’s annual circus production, with costumed students playing all the roles of circus animals and other performers for their delighted families.

            While working full-time and raising a family of six children, Sandy obtained her Master’s Degree in Education, with a specialty in literature-based learning. She also  became a master teacher, mentoring others. Sandy was always a good student, and took notes at lectures, church, and Bible studies until the end of her life. She loved reading, the teaching of reading, and the value of books. When she retired, her classroom became the library at Live Oak School…so fitting.

            In 1961, Ray and Sandy, along with a few friends, were led to start University Baptist Church (now High Street Community Church). The church was an integral part of her life and her family members’ lives. The family has been blessed by members of that congregation who have followed Jesus’ words to “love one another.”

 

           Sandy served in many ways, supporting Young Life, International Students (IS,) and as a church liaison with Wycliffe Bible Translators and other missionaries. She also trained and served as a lay counselor, to help others through difficult times in their lives. 

            Family was always a priority for Sandy, and she showed it by making time for them through family outings, gatherings, and day-to-day interactions.  As her father, mother, uncle and aunt aged, she helped care for each of them until they passed away.  Together with Ray, she was an active and engaging parent, firm but supportive, and always willing to help.  She also loved her grandchildren, and often found fun and interesting activities to do with them, such as baking cookies, tie-dying, rock and shell collecting, and tarantula hunting.  Her great-grandchildren were her delight, and her face lit up when a little one came into the room.  Sandy always had a warm smile and hugs for the family she dearly loved. 

            Sandy was also much loved by her family and friends. They have been so grateful to have her as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her inspiring legacy of honesty and integrity, grace and dignity, kindness and love, all encased in humility, has reflected The Lord’s love, and been a blessing to them all.

            Sandy was preceded in death by: her loving husband of 64 years, Ray, her parents, Joel and Emma Johnson, and her brother, Bob Johnson.

            Sandy is survived by her six children and their spouses: Karen Lindsey (Cliff), Linda McCann (Bob), Jim Bergen, Deanna Wills (Paul), Tom Bergen (Debbie), and Cori Burt (Jeff).

            Additionally, Sandy is survived by her thirteen grandchildren and spouses: Amber Goldapple (David), Hunter Lindsey (Jacqueline), Micah Lindsey (Kate), April Clarke (Steve), Austin McCann (LaToyia), Collin McCann, Brad Wills (Kayla), Graham Wills, Leah Ramirez (Marco), Abbi Bergen, Rose Tawy (Mohamed), Nick Burt, and Linnaea Meyer (Colin).

            She has seventeen great-grandchildren…and counting!

            Sandy has three surviving sisters-in-law: Gerry Johnson, Mitzi Shinen (Dave), and Dottie Ciampa (George); as well as many other extended family members.

            Sandy and her family have been especially appreciative of the daily care and loving support provided by family friend, Mark Major. His gentle and kind spirit has been an inspiration to them all.

            A Celebration of Life will be held at High Street Community Church, 850 High Street, Santa Cruz, on Sunday, October 28, with a light lunch at 1:00, to be followed by the service and reception beginning at 1:45 p.m.

            In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to High Street Community Church to support missions and youth ministries.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsie Bergen, please visit Tribute Store