Joyce Fay Bergeson

6/17/1953 - 1/12/2022

Groton - Joyce Fay Bergeson, 68, of Groton entered eternal life Jan. 12, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born June 17, 1953, in New London the daughter of the late Raymond and Althea (Horn) Main. Joyce grew up in Ledyard where she attended local schools and graduated from Ledyard High School in 1971. Joyce was united in marriage, to the late Axel G. Bergeson II on June 15, 1974, in Ledyard.

During their marriage they had four children and raised two children from Axel's prior marriage. Joyce is survived by her six children, Axel and Leslie Bergeson, of Pennsylvania, Joshua and Andrea Bergeson of Baltic, Victoria Bergeson and her fiancé Mauricio Mendez of Groton, Melissa and Albert Martinez of Texas, Todd and Marlea Bergeson of Waterford, and Timi and Wayne Junier of Massachusetts. Her adoring grandchildren, Jacob, Jackson, Shiloh, Axel, Miguel, Victoria, Gabriella, Logan, Emery, Parker and Hunter; and her great-grandson Finnegan. Four siblings, Donald and Karen Main of North Carolina, Dennis and Renee Main of Florida, Jan Roberta of Norwich, and Melissa and John Wangsgard of Virginia.

They were both very active in the Groton Town Little League where she met longtime friends Rob and Anita Bedwell, John and Susan Steward, and Nikki and Brian Gullickson among many others.

Joyce was employed for Burger King Co. as a regional manager. She was extremely dedicated to her job earning top three honors in New England. She met two amazing friends Glenda and Gail with whom she remained close until her passing. Joyce retired from Burger King after 26 years after Axel's unexpected passing on June 17, 1995, to raise their four children 9, 11, 13, and 15.

Joyce spent the next several years caring for and raising her children. During this time, she met John and Dani Gorman who's continued friendship she cherished. Joyce was able to provide an amazing life for her children as they grew up, never missing an important moment or event and always being someone to lean on. Providing them with endless love and support.

As her kids grew up, she pursued another passion of caring for and fostering animals. She worked with Helping Paws Cat rescue caring for and rehoming many pets over the years. She was glorified as the patron Saint of lost animals. She worked at the Groton-Ledyard Veterinarian Hospital in Gales Ferry where she met great friends she kept until her passing, Ellen, Alison, and Dr. Minor. She worked at Cedar Ridge Golf Course in East Lyme for Amy and Allan Rustici whom she remained close with over the years.

Anyone that knew Joyce, knew that she was always moving and always active. So, it surprised many that she finally actually retired in 2017 giving her time to spend with her many grandchildren. These times were filled with family vacations, grandma sleep overs, building puzzles and overflowing love.

In the last year of her life, she found common friends in the South Eastern Connecticut Health and Freedom Alliance. A group that welcomed her and supported her both personally and politically. #LGB

Joyce was truly a person that had an impact on many people during her life. As one of her friends recently said "She was a very special lady. She had such compassion and love for everyone. She did not know a stranger. No matter how much time would pass between visits and phone calls it was like there was no time that passed at all."

Her family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave. New London. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 5, from the Ledyard Congregational Church, 722 Colonel Ledyard Hwy, Ledyard. Graveside services to follow, at Smith Lake Cemetery, Groton where she will be buried beside her beloved late husband Axel. Directly following the services, we will be gathering at 2 p.m. at Filomena's 262 Boston Post Road in Waterford for a celebration of life. Please RSVP to Vicki at 860-912-8444 if you plan to attend Filomena's.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Joyce Bergeson's name to the Groton Animal Foundation PO Box 7023, Groton CT, 06340.