Mary Bergstrom

1937 - 2020

Mary Jane Bergstrom  
Mary Jane Bergstrom, of Chevy Chase, MD, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, after complications from a stroke. She was born on October 18, 1937, in Pekin, ND, to the late Henry and Viola Bergstrom of Pekin. She was preceded in death by her brother, Alan Bergstrom, of Washington, DC, and her sister Carmen Bergstrom Thorpe of Lake Ridge, VA. Survivors include her sister Sylvia Bergstrom (Joe Rothstein) of Washington, DC, brother-in-law Rod Thorpe of Lake Ridge, VA, sons Paul Knutson (Michelle McSweeney) of Chevy Chase, MD, and Andrew Knutson (Rachel Brumitt) of Minneapolis, MN, daughter Elise Knutson (Brian Shuler) of Bellingham, WA, grandchildren Dorothy Knutson, Torsten Knutson, and Clara Reynolds, and several nephews and nieces. Mary received her bachelor's degree in English in 1959 from the University of North Dakota, where she met her future husband, Howard Knutson. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was head of the school's Panhellenic Council. Mary and her family lived in Schenectady, NY, Great Barrington, MA, and Williamsport, PA. She was always an active member of her communities and enjoyed entertaining in her home. Mary moved to Washington, DC, in 1992, where she became a successful real estate agent, living in Georgetown until 2019. A long-time member of the American Association of University Women, Mary loved art, music, poetry, traveling, and gathering with family, especially at Christmas and on July 4, 2020. A memorial service will be held at a later date due to current COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice. Please view and sign the family guestbook at:www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com