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Zoe T. Bergquist

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University of Arizona University of Southern California

Zoe Bergquist Obituary

Bergquist, Zoe T.
May 29, 1932 - November 3, 2010
Zoe Patricia (Thompson) Bergquist passed away peacefully in Rancho Palos Verdes on November 3, 2010, surrounded by her family. Zoe was born in New Jersey on May 29, 1932, to Edith and William Thompson, Jr. Her family moved to Palos Verdes Estates in 1942. Zoe attended Malaga Cove School and graduated from Chadwick High School in 1949. Zoe started college at University of Arizona and finished at USC in 1953 and was a member of Delta Delta Delta. Zoe married Henry Bergquist (Harry) in 1954.
After a working as a buyer for Bullock's Wilshire, Zoe began teaching elementary school in Downey. Zoe was a devoted humanitarian and served countless hours on boards and committees of various organizations including: Trojan League of the South Bay, Junior League of Long Beach, National Charity League, Delta Delta Delta Alumni Association and Sleighbell, Town and Gown and Peninsula Committee for the LA Philharmonic Orchestra. She was a loyal supporter of USC athletics and will always be a Trojan. Fight on!
From 1985 to 1993, Zoe was the director of the Banning Residence Museum in Wilmington, CA. During her tenure as museum director, she started The Floriade flower show and fundraiser, The Victorian Christmas luncheon and opened the first museum Gift Shop.
Zoe was preceded in death by Harry in 1997. She is survived by her daughter Kristin (Dan) Sibson of Pacific Palisades and son Erik (Margaret) of Rolling Hills Estates, brother William (Judith) of Palos Verdes Estates, and her grandchildren Ulysse, Bailey, Abigail, Claire and Walter, as well as her nieces and nephews. The past several years have been so painful for her family and friends as they have watched Zoe lose her sense of person. Her passing is a relief and she is now truly at peace. Zoe will be remembered as a bright, passionate, strong woman who could accomplish any task set before her.
Funeral private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Nov. 9 to Nov. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Zoe Bergquist

15 Entries

Karol Glover

November 30, 2010

Dear Eric & Kristin, Zoe will be remembered in our prayers, she was a very talented, funny, smart lady. We always enjoyed being with her and your Dad as well. Now they are together in peace in heaven. She will be missed. All our love to you and your family. Gordon & Karol Glover

nancy brounley

November 29, 2010

Zoe was such a great president of the Long Beach League ! Her sense of humor was what I loved about Zoe .
Rest in peace , dear lovely lady !

Julia Heard

November 19, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Zoe's passing. I was a close associate of hers during my many years as a Banning Residence Museum Volunteer, during which I was Chair of the Volunteers for 3 years. Zoe was a fabulous person to work with, always cheerful, positive, very creative, and inspirational, plus having a great sense of humor. In later years, I saw her occasionally at various events, and we always would have a lively conversation! My husband Jim and I send our deepest sympathy to the whole family. Sincerely, Julia Heard

November 18, 2010

Solong Zoe. We had good fun at Chadwick and you were a great date for a number of occasions. Thanks for putting up with me. Doug Shaw

Jan Losi

November 18, 2010

November 18, 2010
I just came across the news of Zoe's passing by accident. As her former employee at the Banning Residence Museum, please allow me to express my professional & personal sorrow at her passing. Kristin & Erik, I understand the trials your mom went through, as my mom also has dementia. I'll always be grateful to Zoe for hiring me & guiding the museum through trying times, particularly when Floriade had to be postponed due to the L.A. Riots. May she rest in peace.

Denise Lavell

November 17, 2010

On behalf of our family, my condolences for the loss of your mother. I knew Zoe through our commitment to Town and Gown of USC where we were members. I joined many, many years after my mother, she and your mom were friends so I quickly got to know your mother. She was a positive and bright light and I enjoyed her very much. We lost our mother three years ago this month also after a lengthly battle with Alzheimers. Find comfort in knowing they are together and rooting for their team. Fight on!

Karen Skaff

November 16, 2010

When I first applied for the job as secretary of the Junior League of Long Beach in the early 70's, I never could have imagined how many wonderful women I would meet who would help shape my life. Zoe was President of the Junior League while I worked there. She was a wonderful mentor and inspiration. Her spirit of volunteerism was contagious. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her entire family.

Linda Pierce

November 15, 2010

Zoe was a very special member and past President of the Delta Delta Delta Sleighbell Committee for Childrens Hospital Los Angles. We will always remember our Delta Sister with love.

Mary Memory

November 15, 2010

My mother and I, and all of the Southern California Tri Deltas loved Zoe, Kristin, Margaret and grandkids for their support of the Sleighbell Luncheon for CHLA hematology/oncology research. Zoe approached everything with intelligence, discernment, taste and kinship.

Tracey Hom

November 15, 2010

I loved Zoe. I worked on the Sleighbell Committee with her. Zoe was so much fun to be around, extremely classy, loving and devoted to her family. She was a Trojan and Tri Delta through and through. She fought this nasty disease with all her might. May you rest in peace Zoe. Tracey Hom

Lilia Fernandez Storey

November 15, 2010

After college I spent a year working part time at the Banning Museum. Zoe was a great role for me as I was trying to figure out what to do. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Johanna Pick

November 14, 2010

I worked on the index to the "El Rodeo" with Zoe. As this was the last part of the book, our time schedule was most stressful. At that time there was no liquor on campus, but during Easter break we'd had brought a six-pack into the "El Rod" office, the disposal of the empties causing some consternation. We finally left them at the base of Tommy Trojan, a minor act of defiance, in much more innocent times, about which we still got a chuckle when we occasionally met at various S.C. functions long after we'd graduated.
I know how cruel Alzheimer's is to the entire family,please accept my sincere condolences at this sad time.

Connie Russell

November 14, 2010

Mrs. Bergquist was my 5th grade teacher at Gallatin Elementary for 1960-61. I've always remembered how nice she was. I share your pain in watching a loved one succumb to Alzheimer's, as I lost my father to this disease in September.

Renie Bishop

November 13, 2010

As young marrieds, we shared many memorable dinners, tail-gates, social occasions. Zoe always contributed so much with her bright smile, exquisite appearance and giving nature. God Bless her soul!

Charles Beardsley

November 12, 2010

As a docent at the Banning house in Wilmington, from 1991 till 1998 I found zoe a wonderful person. I feel bad for the family loss. My prayers are for her family.

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