Martha went home to be with the Lord on January 12, 2015 at the age of 83. Martha was the daughter of Alexander and Lydia Stanke. She was born on February 2, 1931 in a village near Pozan, Poland. Her family (parents, Martha, brother Willy and littler sister Helga) immigrated to Canada after the 2nd war and settled in Lethbridge, Alberta. She worked as a nurses aid at Lethbridge Hospital. She met and married John Bergen May 22, 1954. John and Martha moved to British Columbia and bought their first home in Abbotsford, where they began raising their family, Linda, Alex, and Jim. Martha and John moved to Notch Hill in 1964, and later moved from the farm into a home in Salmon Arm. John and Martha spent their last years at Piccadilly Terrace.
Martha loved music, singing, gardening (especially flowers), and socialising with family and friends. She enjoyed being hospitable and creating amazing meals. She had a strong, unwavering faith in God that enabled her to handle all the situations that life brought her.
Martha is survived by her children, Lindy (Don) Arnot, Alex (Anita) Bergen and Jim (Lydia) Bergen, grandchildren, (Andrea, Alison, Christine, Meredith), (Stacey, Jennifer, Eric), (Victoria, Andrew) and great grandchildren, (Alyssa, Ethan), by her brother Willy Stanke, sister Helga Dressel, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of Piccadilly Terrace for all they have done over the years, as well as the staff of Shuswap Lake General Hospital for looking after Martha’s needs in her last days. We appreciate your hard work and commitment.
The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at 10:30am at the Deo Lutheran Church, 1801-30th Street NE, Salmon Arm, with Rev. Eric Bjorgan officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Ida Cemetery. All are invited to join the family for a time of fellowship and remembrance at the church after the interment.
Arrangements entrusted to Fischer’s Funeral Services and Crematorium Ltd. (250) 833-1129. Condolences and shared memories at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.