Virginia M. Bergwall

January 4, 1919 - June 28, 2011

Virginia Margaret Bergwall NIAGARA, WI- Virginia Margaret Bergwall, age 92, entered the peace of Heaven on June 28, 2011. She was born on January 4, 1919, in Norway to Marion (Rabitaille) and Peter Lajeunesse and was one of eight children. She was a member of the Quinnesec United Methodist Church. Her mother died when Virginia was only five years old Several months later the four youngest children were taken to the Holy Family Orphanage in Marquette because their father was unable to care for them and earn a living, too. School came easy for Virginia, and she was particularly adept at the art of Old English printing. She always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but the cost was prohibitive. At the age of sixteen, she accepted a job as a live-in child-care and household assistant for the Bordeau family, hoping to earn the money needed to fulfill her dream. About 3 years later she met the love of her life, Roy Bergwall. It was love at first sight when they met on the 20th of February and she married him on September 17 that same year. They became the parents of five daughters. The first-born, Jean Sherry, died at the age of 4 1/2 months due to a heart condition. Surviving children are Janice (Gerald) Johnson of Norway; Gloria (Douglas) Cavegnetto of Plainview, MN; Dianne (Bruce) Rostagno of Iron River; and Debra (Ron) Thompson of Aurora. Roy died in 1993 after 54 wonderful years of marriage. Virginia's family now also includes twelve grandchildren and twenty-six great-grandchildren. She has friends of all ages. Many others, in addition to her own girls, think of her as "Mom." The family lived for many years in Norway where Virginia was active in Eastern Star, and the United Methodist Church. Virginia also owned and operated the "Bee Smart" shop in Norway and later worked side-by-side with Roy at D & B Distributors in Iron Mountain which they owned jointly with the Doda brothers. The Bergwall home was a warm and welcoming place where there was always room for more feet under the table. Virginia, like her husband, simply loved people. She also loved to cook, bake and sew and her daughters usually came home to the smell of fresh-baked cookies or warm buns. When the older girls were grown, Roy & Virginia moved to a farmhouse on the Little Popple River, which they quickly dubbed "Paradise Acres." They raised and boarded horses, and loved being surrounded by 4-H kids and critters. Virginia's green thumb was evident in the flowers and plants produced in her greenhouse and unending rows of tomatoes. She raised birds, which like her rabbits, tomatoes, plants and cookies multiplied till they become unmanageable. After Roy's death, Virginia moved to Kingsford, then Aurora and then to assisted living, she moved to Maryhill Manor in Niagara about 8 years ago and especially loved the day-to-day interaction with many people. She kept busy with her crafts, which included quilling and crocheting, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and participated in many other activities. She developed deep friendships not only with other residents, but also with many members of the compassionate and caring Maryhill staff. Thank-you, Maryhill, for all you have done! Virginia had a deep faith, and we have been strengthened and supported in ways we may never know by her daily walks and talks with God. Her love was unconditional. Her mind was sharp. Her faith was strong. Her life was proof that life is good, whatever the circumstances, and that "home" is wherever the heart is. She has left a rich legacy of love as captured in this poem by her granddaughter, Sherri Stigler. The rose that lived among you Has now folded from her toil; But a brand new bud’s been opened Planted deep in heaven’s soil Here she has been welcomed Once again on Grandpa’s arm They walk hand in hand together On the Lord’s un