February 02, 1931 – January 12, 2015
At the age of 83 years
Memorial Service 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21 at Deo Lutheran Church, 1801 – 30th St. NE Salmon Arm, BC.
Pastor Erik Bjorgan officiating.
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.
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.
Please accept my sincere condolences. Martha was a dear friend and prayer partner to Jean Siebenga, and I know they are rejoicing together in glory now. Jean & I were good friends and that’s how I got to meet Martha. She was a treasure. I believe she helped the ladies at Piccadilly who were knitting hats for missions, and that was something I was able to distribute. What a blessing Martha was to so many. She will be missed. God bless you. Maxine Dale
My prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time…may the many happy memories bring you joy and peace and keep her in your hearts always.
Rest in Peace and breathe easy Martha. We enjoyed visiting with you at Picadilly when were would stop in to see several other residents.
You will be missed.
My sincere condolences to all the family. I’ll miss visiting Martha at Picadilly. May Martha Rest in Peace and breathe easier.
Vickie
Sending our deepest condolences to the family at this time. Praying that the Lord will comfort you and that your precious memories will help heal your pain.