1929 – 2014

LEWISTON — Sister Bertha B. Bergeron, OSU, an Ursuline Sister, 85, died on Saturday, Aug. 16, at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion.

Bertha was born in Sanford on June 2, 1929, a daughter of Evariste and Aurore (Ouellette) Bergeron. She received her elementary and secondary education, and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Sanford in 1947.

On Jan. 15, 1951, Bertha entered the Ursuline Sisters’ Novitiate in Belgrade. Shortly after, the Novitiate was transferred to Crystal City, Mo., where Bertha, under the name of Sister John Joseph, made her first religious profession in 1954. She pronounced her final vows on July 16, 1957, in Boston, Mass.

Throughout her religious life, her ministry of service to God and to her community was exemplary. She kept in touch with her many friends through her faithful correspondence. No matter how small the service rendered her, a thank-you message always followed. She served in communities in Beacon, N.Y.; Rome, Italy; Springfield, Mass.; and Waterville and Brunswick. While in Brunswick, she was a true assistant to Sister Angela, superior and school principal.

Sister is survived by three sisters, Gertrude Berard, Rachel Belanger and husband, Norman, of Sanford and Sister Claire Bergeron, SUSC, of Lawrence, Mass.; one brother, Richard and his wife, Marie Paul, of Sanford; a sister-in-law, Simone (Roux) Bergeron, of Sanford; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by three sisters, Estelle Gagne, Lucille Roy and Theresa Bergeron; and two brothers, Robert and Maurice.

The Ursuline Sisters and sister’s family wish to thank the staff at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion, 3 West, and Beacon Hospice for the devoted care given to Sister Bertha.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.