Mary Bergen

Mary Bernardine Bergen, age 90 of West Milford, N.J. passed away on June 25, 2024 at Family of Caring at Ridgewood where she was cared for by the most kind and compassionate staff until her last days. She was born on August 18, 1933 in Wyckoff, New Jersey the daughter of the late Ralph Bernardine and Mary (Lissi) Bernardine. Mary was a graduate of Hawthorne (NJ) High School. She and her former spouse Fred Bergen had two children who they adored, Marnie and Jason Bergen.
Mary, or Mimi as she was better known, will be remembered as a thoughtful and talented mother who opened her home and her heart to everyone in her sphere. She was a second mother and her house a second home, to so many throughout her life. While raising her family, Mary found time to enjoy and demonstrate her creative talents through painting, furniture restoration, interior design, and cooking. She was an artistic genius and an incredible cook and cake decorator who passed on her family's Italian recipes to her children. When she taught us to ice a cake, she taught us patience. When she brought us to Johnny & Hanges or fed us, she taught us about the healing power of tradition, family, and food. When she turned a house into a home through both love and design, she taught us how to connect with ourselves and each other.
Mary will be remembered as an active member of her community where she was involved in the Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts, as well as the PTA. She was employed by Dr. Walter Kent, DDS in Wykoff for many years where she served as the office manager. In addition, Mary found peace in her faith, had a passion for reading, and loved the sands of the Jersey Shore.
Upon retirement, Mary lived with her daughter Marnie and beloved grand dogs and continued to pursue her passion for artistic creation. Most important to Mary was spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family. Holiday gatherings with her loved ones were especially meaningful.
Most of all, Mary will be remembered for her immense love of and dedication to her family. Mary is survived by her beloved children: Marnie Bergen and Jason Bergen (Melissa); her cherished grandchildren: Laurel and Miller Bergen; her siblings: Anthony Bernardine and Jane Hickman, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her brothers, Ralph (Sally) Bernardine and John (Gail) Bernardine, her sisters, Helen Bernardine and Louise (Jack) Gallaway, her brother-in-law Dan Hickman, and her sister-in-law Gloria Bernardine.
A funeral mass will be held at 9:30am on Saturday, June 29, 2024, meeting at St. Anthony's R.C. Church, 276 Diamond Bridge Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ. Interment of ashes will follow at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemtery, in Fair Lawn where Mary will be laid to rest with her parents and sister, Helen. Friends may visit with the family at the Browning-Forshay Funeral Home, 557 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ on Friday, from 5:00 - 8:00pm.