Obituary of Gerda Swanhill Bergh

Obituary Gerda Bergh passed away January 23, 2022 at 94 years of age in Fort St. John, BC. Gerda was born to immigrant parents from Oppdal, Norway. Her father's name was "Sverre". When Gerda's parents arrived in Canada, friends had no idea how to pronounce her father's name so they called him "Sam". Sam and Olive first lived at in Peesane, Saskatchewan and Gerda was born shortly after at Tisdale. Soon after the family moved to Bowsman Manitoba. When Gerda was five, they moved back to Saskatchewan to some land near Crooked River. Gerda was the eldest of 5 siblings and was blessed with sister Inga, and brothers Henry, Eric and Arthur. The farm was a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun. The hike to school was 1 and 1/2 miles into Crooked River where they also attended the Lutheran Church, and the children were active in the young people's group called Luther League. When Gerda started school, she could only speak Norwegian as was the case with the other siblings so, when they started school, Gerda was able to help them learn English. After completing grade 11, Gerda entered the work force. She started out by working in nearby homes doing household chores and helping care for children. At about age 20, she worked in the Sanatorium in Prince Alberta for a year and a half and then went back to house keeping for awhile. In 1952 she hired on at the Post Office in Tisdale. From there she went to Saskatoon to work in the kitchen at the University Hospital. After that she worked at Kresge's. In 1961 she decided to join her parents in Prince George and also worked at Kresge's there, now in the Ladies Department. But it wasn't long and she was on the move again. This time to Ft. St. John in 1964. Here she expanded her interests and found a job at Fort Pharmacy which was later bought by Shoppers Drug Mart. The next big adventure for Gerda was marrying Maynard Bergh on May 6,1989. She continued working for many more months, and then decided that 26 years in the Drug business was enough and she retired! Besides, winters in Arizona were calling! Gerda liked Country Western music; was an avid reader; did many a Cross Word Puzzle Books and enjoyed coffee with friends. Gerda also liked to travel. Hawaii was one of her favorite spots and she visited the Islands 5 times. She also made two fun trips to Norway to visit her roots! What remains in her "bucket" is a trip across Canada via train. The Lord had different plans and Gerda is now enjoying the benefits, joys and beauties which are out of this world! Gerda was predeceased by her parents, her husband, one brother, a brother-in-law, two sister-in-laws, a step daughter, a step son, and one step son-in-law. She will be greatly missed by all her family and many friends! Thank You, Lord for the blessings of Gerda's life. A Memorial Service will be held for Gerda on Saturday, January 29 at 1:30 pm from the Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Kebede F. Dibaba officiating. There will be a tea following the service. For those unable to attend the service, it will be livestreamed through the following log in information - Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 288 418 1031 Passcode: PLC An interment is planned for a later date in Prince George, BC. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Gerda to the FSJ Women's Resource Society - To donate Click Here Services Memorial Service Saturday January 29, 2022 1:30 PM Peace Lutheran Church 9812 108 Avenue Fort St John, BC V1J 2R3 Memorial Tea to follow Saturday January 29, 2022 Peace Lutheran Church 9812 108 Avenue Fort St John, BC V1J 2R3