Margaret "Maggie" Neese (Bergin) Margaret "Maggie" Neese (Bergin) died after a long, valiant effort against metastasized melanoma on 7/18/17 in Novato, CA at the age of 81. Maggie is survived by her children Paula Neese of Novato, Tom (Laurie) Neese (Spokane, WA) and Mary Stompe (Brad) of Novato; siblings, Jim Bergin and Phil Bergin; Grandchildren Dylan Stompe of Novato and Brendon Neese (Edria) of Indonesia; great grandchildren Bryce and Elena, her rescue dog Rocky and several nieces and nephews. Maggie is preceded in death by husband Paul, her mother Virginia, father Bill and six siblings, Rita, Pat, Cathy, Ginger, Carroll, and Bill. Maggie was born on February 17, 1936 in San Mateo, CA to Virginia and Bill Bergin. She graduated from Marin Catholic in 1953. She attended Mt. Angel College in Oregon. After raising her family, she returned to Dominican College where she received her Master's Degree in Counseling. Maggie had a variety of careers and retired after working as San Domenico School's Guidance Counselor in 1985 where she positively impacted many young lives. Maggie met and married Paul Neese in 1959 when she was working at the Marin Municipal Water District. Maggie loved traveling with Paul. They went to Europe and took many cruises but Maggie's favorite times were when the family went to the little cabin in Strawberry, near Lake Tahoe. Together they raised three children and were always very active in the lives of their children especially in 4-H. They endured the many animals that came into their home. Maggie was always drawn to the water. They built a house in Bodega Bay after retirement. After 14 years, they relocated to Petaluma and eventually Maggie moved to Novato after Paul's death in 2002. Maggie's greatest joys were her family and friends and will always be remembered for her kindness, her infectious smile, her humor and her positive outlook on life. Everyone that met her loved her. Maggie was accomplished at painting, writing and poetry, loved gardening and was an avid reader. She wrote The River Walk with daughter Mary several years ago. She loved her friends in the Novato Garden Club and long time friends from Marin Catholic High School. She gave her heart and her love to anyone that she met . Maggie was selfless, always putting the needs of others before herself. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joys of her life and she was completely devoted to them. She often volunteered in the Community. A memorial is scheduled for 8/18 at 1:00 PM at Garden Valley Ranch in Petaluma. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Maggie's life. Donations in memory of Maggie (to purchase a picnic table at Bodega Bay in her memory) may be sent to Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, 2300 County Center Dr., #120A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403; www.SonomaCountyParksFoundation.org. For more information, contact [email protected]. The family would like to thank her friends and family that were with her during the last chapter of her life.

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Published by Marin Independent Journal from Jul. 29 to Aug. 16, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Neese

Sponsored by MarinIJ.com.

10 Entries

Mary Stompe

July 19, 2024

Mom, I miss you every single day. They say time heals but it doesn't. If I could have just one more day with you, I would thank you for all you did for me. I miss you SO much. Mary

Noel Hedrick

September 13, 2017

Sad to hear of Margarets death. She was a dear friend. Thanks "Maggie" for many wonderful memories. My sincere sympathy to all her Family and Friends.Noel Hedrick

Nancy Abballo

August 21, 2017

My deepest condolences to family & friends. Margaret was one of those people you never forget. Though it's been years since I saw her last I can still hear her laugh. Such a wonderful sweet loving caring individual- Rest in paradise Margaret ❤

August 10, 2017

Miss you Mom. Found a great "Pooh" quote that reminds me of what you said in the last letter you wrote each of your kids and grandkids before you went to heaven. I think you would approve.

Poor to Piglet

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

You were so wise. Until we meet again in heaven, I'll keep you in my heart which is bursting with wonderful, joyful memories.

Paula

P..S. Rock is still looking for you.

August 3, 2017

Maggie, you were my best friends mom and I bet about 25 people are writing that same phrase as well, even though you have three kids, not 25! You just raised the best human beings, ... People who are like you were, people who include others with all your heart and joy and kindness. I will so miss your cheerfulness and your wisdom. And I'm dreading my talk with Mare... (I should have invested in Kleenex, darn!). She tried everything she could to get you several more decades and I feel for her.... I hope you are telepathically comforting her and all your beautiful family from up above ... Love and luck, Margot

Mary Stompe

August 2, 2017

Mom,
You were my best friend and my mom. You traveled the world with me. You were always up for an adventure. You ere selfless, caring and so much fun. Thee will always be a hole in my heart.
Mary

August 1, 2017

My condolences to the family. Losing a loved one is sorrow moment that it can't be described but knowing that our God have them in his memory because they are precious at his eyes give us comfort. Psalms 116:15

Chikako (Chiko) Bergin

July 30, 2017

I will miss you Maggie. I was always so impressed with your strength when you were in so much pain. We both understood what constant pain is like but you never complained. I was very proud to have you as my sister-in-law. I know your pain is over now but I will miss your encouraging words. Your brother is worried because he is now the oldest of the original Bergin family. He liked teasing you about being older than him.

PHIL BERGIN

July 30, 2017

A wonderful sister who provided me with great counsel and sage advice during my youth. She also provided me with many opportunities to tease and torture a "big sister" which is such an important part of growing up. I'll truly miss your sense of humor and your caring advice. I hope you find where I hid Lady Fair. See you soon.

Mari LoNano

July 29, 2017

She gave me shelter when I was 17, and she gave me her old car so I could get around.I will miss our email correspondence which we wrote for years, and, of course, I will miss knowing that she was on this earth.

Mari LoNano

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