Florence Bergen

Florence Lucille Morris Bergen went to rest with the Lord on March 10, 2012. She was born to Grace Larcom and Edward Morris one of 8 children, in Topeka, Kansas on March 14, 1920, living through the depression and tough times, she grew into a lovely young woman who married Howard Kofoid, after borrowing 5 for the marriage certificate. They were blessed with four children Martha, Harley, Linda and Suzann, and settled on 100 acres in the Eureka, Kansas area. Florence worked for Pearl Shivers in Eureka in the laundry where she ironed clothes. She nursed Howard through a very extended sickness and when he passed away she moved to Leon, Kansas, where she worked as a CMA in a nursing facility in Augusta Kansas. Her friends sent her picture away to several men that they saw in a lonely hearts magazine and when the men answered back, Florence answered and ended up marrying one Victor Bergen and became the lifelong pen pal of another. She took the risk and picked up and moved 1700 miles away from family and friends to take over as Victors wife and love his children, Vicki and John, as her own. In Vancouver, Washington, where they settled, Florence worked as a CMA and rehabilitation CNA helping people recover their lost mobility and senses. When the children were grown, Florence and Victor moved to Portland Oregon and finally to St Helens, Oregon to be near family and grandchildren. To Florences horror, she outlived three of her children, Linda, Harley, and John and both of her husbands. Life made her tough to withstand the pain and sorrows, God made her thoughtful, funny, kind and loving to be ready for his kingdom. She will forever be missed here on this earth for she made of most of each day turning it into an adventure. She knew how to live. Florence is survived by her brother, Everett Morris of Fredonia, her daughters Vicki Hopmann of Ridgefield, Washington, Martha Bing of Enterprise, Kansas and Suzann Lemire of Fredonia, Kansas, 13 grand children, and 5 great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Neodesha, Kansas. CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES ARE to be HELD ON SUNDAY MARCH 18, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. AT 332 N THIRD, FREDONIA, KS 66736