Mary always had a good word no matter what the occasion. She always made you feel good about yourself. She will be missed.
Mary C. Bergeron
February 16, 1953 – February 7, 2026

Mary Collete Bergeron, 72, of Clearwater, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the University of Minnesota M Health Fairview East Bank Campus in Minneapolis. A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday, Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater. Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater.
Mary was born on February 16, 1953, to Ernie and Eileen (Bergen) Bergeron in Melrose, Minnesota, the second of five daughters. She graduated from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and later earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from St. Cloud State University. Mary excelled in every job she had from serving at Nelson Brothers to teaching at Monticello Middle School.
Mary met her husband, Wally on a blind date in 1978. They were united in marriage in 1983. Together they raised two children on a hobby farm and enjoyed spending time outdoors as a family, especially going camping, skiing and hiking. After retiring, Mary served her community through her volunteer work, including the “Food Rescue” program. She lived a life of service, fighting for equality for all. Mary loved gardening, cooking and a good thrift find. She will be remembered for her kindness, willingness to lend a helping hand and for always keeping your coffee hot.
Mary is survived by her mother, Eileen; husband, Wally; children, Ben (Misty Rinkenberger) and Emy (Soren Larson) Westerberg; siblings, Ann (Dennis) McCoy, Sara Whyte, Amy Bergeron and Paula Bergeron; any many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her father, Ernie; and brother-in-law, Duncan Whyte.
Guestbook
Mary spread so much love and compassion throughout the entire community, even when she was sick she was out helping others. Mary knew me before I was even born and had an inpact on how I grew up, I hope the way she lived her life spreading love will encourage others to show more love and compassion for all who may need it, just like she would. Mary will be missed so deeply words can never fully explain.
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing, but she’s at peace, & no more struggle. She was small, but had the biggest heart, & a person I looked up to. I know, she wasn’t feeling good, but she was the first to ask how YOU were doing, & never really said how she was doing. Always thinking about the others, that was sweet Mary. I will miss her smiling face, & hugs on Sunday. RIP sweet Mary. 🙏❤️
So sorry to hear this. Maty was a good friend and support person to me in high school, especially after my mother died my sophomore year, and we spent many an hour arguing about school policies. She then came to St. Ben’s, where we often talked and sat up half the night while I typed her term papers. Mary was an intelligent, perceptive person always trying to help someone. She will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that losing a spouse or a sibling is very difficult. Due to obligations on that day, I am unable to attend the funeral. Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers to all the family
Mary was a lovely, dear lady. She sometimes would call me “little one”, and I wonder if it was from her elementary school background.
She took a hibiscus plant that I didn’t want, and we would talk a bit about that plant – back then. And, if there was ever anything I was hoping to get from the food rescue (for a special occasion), she would pick it out and save it for me . She would do that for anyone. Last spring, Mary “set up” a box garden space for a young gardener. There may be many stories about her generousity. God bless her memory!
The world has lost a humanitarian, a community has lost a dedicated caretaker, her family has lost a beloved member, and I have lost a cherished friend. Goodbye dear one.
It meant so much to my mom and me that Wally and Mary were so helpful and comforting during my dad’s struggle with illness over the last few years. Thank you Mary for your kindness and supportive spirit. You will be missed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Mary’s family and friends for their loss.
We hope that the family can endure this great loss of Mary. We are so sorry for your loss. We wish that we could be there for the service and celebration of Mary’s life but our schedule puts us out of country. God bless the Bergeron family.
If there was ever a person that began and ended with “what can I do for you?” it was Mary. She worked, with a force of a warrior, had a heart of a fierce Mother, a commitment of a monk, AND, would be the first to dismiss everything expressing this very awe and admiration. To my great sister, can I simply say to you now, (without being hushed); Thank you, Mary. I love you.
Mary was a bright, beautiful baby who continually metamorphosed into a bright, beautiful, loving, wise,
devoted sister, wife, mother, citizen. It is an honor to have been her babysitter first and then one of her friends. Love you, Mary-
The world lost a humanitarian, the community lost a caretaker, our family lost a loved one and I lost a treasured friend.
May Mary’s memory be a blessing. My thoughts are with all the Bergeron family and significant others, friends, and everyone who knew Mary.
Services
Schedule Details
Mary Collete Bergeron, 72, of Clearwater, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the University of Minnesota M Health Fairview East Bank Campus in Minneapolis. A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday, Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater. Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater.