Grace Eileen Bergin
December 9, 1931 – April 20, 2021
Minneapolis, MN, USA
About Grace
Grace Eileen Bergin (Hogenson), age 89, of Bloomington, passed away peacefully on April 20th, 2021. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Preceded in death by her parents Ingvald and Gertrude Hogenson, siblings, Marion, Kenneth, Bernice, and her husband Ray Jr. Survived by brother Wally, children Peter, Paula (Jeff) Soholt, Mary (Tom) Bates, and Lee (Cathy); grandchildren, Carl, and Chris (Maddie).
Grace grew up in the Lake Nokomis neighborhood. She met her husband, Ray Jr, at Roosevelt HS and they married in 1953. The family lived in South Mpls until building a home in Bloomington overlooking the Minnesota River Bluffs. Grace loved raising her family close to nature and in their wonderful neighborhood of friends and families.
Early on, she worked at Minneapolis Moline, but her life’s work was truly her family. She kept her children involved with all the activities and opportunities offered by the schools etc during Bloomington’s heydays of the 1970’s and 80’s.
Another special place in Grace’s life was the family cabin in NW Wisconsin. Little Gracie, all 5ft of her, would spend full summers up at the lake mothering 4 young kids. While Ray commuted back to Minneapolis for the work week, Grace and the kids thrived without a car, telephone, or TV.
Grace was also an artist, and oil painting was her favorite. For many years she was active with the Bloomington Federated Women’s Club. Using her artistic talents, she promoted the fundraising events for local scholarships presented to Bloomington students.
Grace and Ray loved to travel. With family and friends, they had many adventures skiing out west and sailing in the Caribbean. Sailing was one of the special activities Grace and Ray did together whether it be at the cabin, on Lake Superior, Lake Minnetonka, or in the Caribbean.
Grace loved her faith community at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church and especially appreciated the choral music in worship. A memorial service will be held for her at a future date.
Sail on, Grace. We will miss your wonderful hugs, and beautiful smile.