Eileen Bergeron

Eileen A. “Irish” (Bergin) Bergeron, age 96, went home to God and the communion of saints and angels on August 23, 2026 at home, surrounded by family and in the care St. Croix Hospice.

*****Please note the date of the service*****

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 26 at the Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Melrose.

Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the chapel.

Eileen, affectionally nicknamed “Irish” by her husband, Ernie, was born April 25, 1930, the only child of Kathleen and Lloyd Bergin. She grew up on 5th Street in Mason City Iowa, and was easily recognized by her curly, strikingly red hair, bright blue-gray eyes, and quick smile. Eileen attended St. Joseph Parish schools from elementary grades through high school. Encouraged by her Irish priest, she continued her Catholic education in Minnesota at the College of St. Benedict.

During her first year at St. Ben’s, she met Ernest J. Bergeron, a “Johnnie” hailing from Oklee, Minnesota. Intending to pursue a certificate in elementary education, Eileen transferred to Iowa State Teacher’s College. During that year, Eileen accepted Ernie’s marriage proposal, changing the course of her life. They were married in August 1950.

In 1952, Ernie joined the high school faculty in Melrose, Minnesota. There, the young French-Irish couple learned to navigate life in a closely connected, predominantly German Catholic community.

The Bergerons’ first family home was the “little brown house” located across the street from Bertha and John Lang. The Langs were mentors and generous neighbors, while their daughters, Jane, Gretchen, Sylvia, and Georgia became lifelong friends. With the arrival of a fifth Bergeron daughter, the growing family moved to a home along the Sauk River in 1962. It was there that Eileen and Ernie raised their five girls.

Eileen was known for being hardworking, thrifty, and thoughtful. She generously served her community as a volunteer for various causes, was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, and participated in the life of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She was committed to Democratic ideals and cherished her Irish heritage. Eileen also worked for a time as a home health aide for Stearns County, serving the clients in her care with kindness and compassion. For nearly eight years, she and Ernie assisted in the management of the Village Townhomes in Melrose. Many winters found them at a retirement park in McAllen, Texas, where Eileen became the “unofficial” social activities director.

In later years, Eileen lovingly cared for Ernie as he experienced progressive cognitive decline. He eventually required end-of-life care at the VA in St. Cloud, where he passed away in August 2013. Following Ernie’s death, Eileen continued to live independently in her townhome until the age of 92, when she moved to Sartell to live with daughter #4, Amy.

Eileen’s final years in Sartell were enriched by the presence and care of family, neighbors, and friends. From January 2024 until her death, she received extraordinary care and support from St. Croix Hospice. Eileen’s family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by St. Croix Hospice and for the love and prayers of the Sisters of St. Benedict Monastery and St. Benedict Oblates.

Eileen is survived by her daughters, Ann (Dennis) McCoy, Sara Whyte, Amy Bergeron, and Paula Bergeron; son-in-law, Wally Westerberg; grandchildren, Pat (Jennifer) McCoy, Kevin (EmilyMae) McCoy, Ben (Misty Rickenberger) Westerberg, Emy Westerberg (Soren Larson), Jean (Justin) Goette, Emily (Tom) Budinger; and great-grandchildren, Zoey and Lily McCoy, Ada, Owen, and Evan Goette, and Amy and Lizzy Budinger.

Proceeding Eileen in death by her daughter, Mary Westerberg (2026); infant granddaughter, Kathleen Ann McCoy (1980); and son-in-law, Duncan Whyte (2021).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Benedict’s Monastery Foundation (address below) or to a charity of your choice that uplifts the lives of others, so that, “In all things, God may be glorified.”

Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict Monastery Foundation
104 Chapel Lane
St. Joseph, MN 56374