Susan Lynn (Higginbottom) Bergen

Susan Bergen of Lacombe Alberta passed away suddenly in her home on June 22, 2021. She was born in Elnora, Alberta on August 24, 1955. She is predeceased by her father Frederick, her mother Margaret (and late husband Dude), her sister Marge, and her parents-in-law Helen and Sam Bergen.

Susan spent her childhood on the family farm, attending Elnora School and Delburne High School. Farm life was exciting and difficult, at times, and shaped the person she became: resilient, hardworking and cheerful. She was a farm kid, through and through, and loved spending time with her aunts, grandmothers, and friends. Being the oldest daughter, she was in charge of taking care of younger siblings and other children from the neighbourhood.

After high school, Susan moved to Red Deer, where she graduated from Reeves Business College. A handsome young man caught her eye at a party and made frequent reappearances every time she had car troubles. Sue and Vic married in 1977. They lived in Olds and Rimbey before moving back to the Bergen Farm in 1981 just in time to welcome their first baby girl, Christy. Over the next years, two other daughters, Nicole and Karly, completed the family.

A devoted wife and mother, Sue prioritized creating a loving and supportive home. She was enthusiastically involved in many of her children’s activities, cheering from the sidelines at softball games, teaching Sunday School, leading 4-H groups, and lovingly encouraging them in their schoolwork. Sue made every birthday and holiday a true occasion, and always had a craft, scavenger hunt or game at the ready.

The family worked together with Vic’s parents harvesting crops north of Lacombe for over 35 years. Sue was an expert combine driver and made sure the farm crew was well fed. Once the children were older, Sue found fulfillment in work off the farm at St. Andrew’s United Church and Alberta Agriculture.

When Sue and Vic retired, they designed and built a new home and yard a mile down the road near the beautiful Welp Brook. Sue enjoyed gardening, bird and wildlife watching, and forging scenic trails through the forest, which she decorated with handpicked relics and artifacts. She loved nothing more than going for a walk or playing cards with her best friends. Sue and Vic were avid travellers, visiting more than 30 countries, from Australia to the Galapagos Islands, Vietnam, and a special family trip to Ireland to celebrate her 60th birthday. No matter where she traveled, her favourite place was home.

She was the anchor of her family and established close friendships at all stages of her life, including a special bond with the UCW Fruitcake Ladies. In her final weeks, she and Vic spent time with all her children and grandchildren, creating memories that will be forever cherished. Her presence will be deeply missed by many, including: her husband, Vic; daughters, Christy (Andrew), Nicole (Jesse) and Karly (John); grandchildren Nate, Leni, Reid and Corvus; siblings Reg (Betty), Louie (Louise), Deb (Don) and Lavonne (Dean); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

The family will hold an outdoor celebration of life on July 6 at 4:00 PM at Aspen Springs Rustic Barn Retreat & Event Centre (27223 Township Road 412, Lacombe County). Limited seating will be available; guests are asked to please bring their own lawn chairs and respect physical distancing/the comfort level of others. A recorded version of the service will be available upon request from the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sue’s memory to the:

Canadian Foodgrains Bank: https://donate.foodgrainsbank.ca/select-appeal

or Ellis Bird Farm: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ellis-bird-farm-ltd/

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