Alice Marie Bergeron, age 94, of Rapid River passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone.
Alice was born on February 8, 1927 in Rapid River, the daughter of Dallas and Mildred (Mornson) Kniskern. She was born, raised and lived the majority of her life in the house her grandfather built. She graduated from Rapid River High School in 1945 and continued her studies at Northern Michigan University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She began her teaching career at the Bungalow one-room schoolhouse on the Stonington Peninsula for four years where she taught Kindergarten through eighth grades. Alice continued to teach for 42 years in the Perkins and Rapid River School Districts. She was a lifelong member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Rapid River. She was also a proud member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, the Michigan Education Association, the National Education Association and the Terrace Bluff Golf Club.
Alice is survived by her children, Joseph (Mary Beth) Bergeron of Gladstone, Jon (Pamela) Bergeron of Suamico, WI and Mary (Gary) Brayak of Rapid River; grandchildren, Erin (Chris) Michael, great grandson Holden, Adam (Sarah) Bergeron, Matthew (special friend, Stephanie) Bergeron, Callie Bergeron, Tara Bergeron, James Brayak, Gregg (Mandi) Brayak, Dan (Amber) Brayak, 4 great grandchildren; sister Marion Parks of Claremore, OK, brother-in-law Howard Hetzel of Tomahawk, WI and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Arthur (Patricia) Kniskern, sisters Mildred Kniskern, Patricia (John) Lagina, June Hetzel, brother-in-law James Parks, and granddaughter Mary Alice Bergeron.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 29 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Rapid River. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 PM with Father William Ssozi officiating. Alice will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba.
The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Sandy Johnson - Rapid River, Mi
That’s so sad to hear..I just visited with her a week ago or so…such a wonderful teacher and fantastic lady..condolences to you all, Sandy Johnson
Penny Callahan - Rapid river , Mi
Oh, sweet ,Alice.. where do I begin. You will be missed by so many. Your love and infectious smile was felt by so many. You were truly an angel on earth. Thinking back on all the little souls you came in touch with over the years that were so blessed to call you their teacher. My daughter Michelle has been so blessed by your encouragement, and friendship. She shared so many stories about your visits and how they warmed her heart. She will miss you terribly but, she knows you are now with the Lord who you served so very well.. as she told me, I can feel her happiness knowing she is now home.. fly high with the angels sweet Alice… you will be missed..
Elizabeth (Brock) Hansen - Williamsburg , VA
She was the best third grade teacher ever! She was so loving and kind! So sorry for your loss.
Diane Kossow - Marquette, Mi
Mr and Mrs Brayak i am sorry to hear about the reciently passing away of your mom and mother in law.
Please know you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time.
You both have been a big impact on many of lives during our school careers.
Mary Decremer - Provincetown , Ma
Many friend and teacher memories I shared with Alice.
Please, accept my deepest sympathy.
Domenic Lauria - Brighton , Mi
I would not be who I am today without Mrs. Bergeron. She was my third grade teacher and one of the most influential people in my life. I think about her often and hope that every teacher could be a caring as her. I wish her family the very best in this difficult time.
Jennifer Zebio - Simi Valley , CA
To Jon Bergeron and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all and your sweet mom Alice. She did a beautiful job raising her family and has left quite a legacy. God bless her and keep her.
Much Love,
Nick, Jennifer, Emma and Faith Zebio
Sheila Wedell - Escanaba, MI
Everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Bergeron knew just how special she was. I first met her when I was 14 and was fortunate to be assigned as an assistant in her third grade class. I graded papers for her and helped tutor some of her students in math and reading.
She noticed I was preoccupied a lot and asked if I was having some kind of personal trouble. No adult had ever asked me if I was okay before or if I needed help. I was going through some extremely personal trauma at home and she listened to my troubles and she prayed for me. No one had ever done that before either.
She was so kind and compassionate. She had no idea how much that meant to me and how much it helped me to get through.
Almost 40 years later I saw her again for the first time since I had been her assistant, at my new in-law’s home. She remembered me! I said, “I didn’t think you would remember me after so many years and so many kids!”
She said, “Sheila I could never forget you!”
I almost cried because she made me feel so cared about. I will never forget you Alice. You were an angel on earth❤️
Tom Waeghe - Wilmington, DE
Dear Joe, Mary Beth, Mary and all of your family: I just saw this today of the passing of Alice. Very sorry to hear about it. May God bless you and comfort you in your sorrow, and may you treasure all of the good memories and times spent with her.
Tom and Mary Lou Waeghe and family
Benjamin James Yaroch - Greensburg, PA
I know I am super late here, but I was in her 3rd grade class. I am 51 now and she remains one of my favorite teachers.