Mona Grace Bergen (Tate)
Mona was born in Unity, Saskatchewan. Mona’s father, a pharmacist, died of pneumonia when she was just a year old. Her family then moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where she was raised.
When Mona was 19, (1949) she met her first husband Hank, in Vancouver. They planned to get married in the Fall of 1950. Hank returned to work on the Klondike Gold Dredges, leaving Mona in Vancouver. They soon realized the separation didn’t suit them and wedding plans were quickly arranged by Sally Backe (Hank’s sister). The wedding took place on April 26th, 1950 in the Old Log Church in Whitehorse. Mona and Hank enjoyed living, working and raising their three children on Wood Street, in Whitehorse, until retirement found them building their dream home on the shores of Teslin Lake. While living in Teslin, they travelled widely, exploring the Orient and beyond. They had 15 years in Teslin before Hank’s health started to
decline and they decided to return to Whitehorse. Hank passed in 2005.
During Elder Active activities Mona met Jim Fordyce in 2012. They had much in common, including a love of travel, RV’ing, Marsh Lake, dancing and socializing. They decided to blend two long-time Yukon families and married on June 12th, 2013. Their time together was filled with great happiness and adventure including cruises through the Suez Canal and up the Amazon River. Their youthful spirit and love of life was a great inspiration.
Mona is survived by her loving second husband, Jim Fordyce, her three children, Steven Bergen (Fay), Terry Bergen (Pamela), Dianne Vanditmars (Derek); four grandchildren Melissa (Jeremy), Daryl (Tamra), Clayton (Joscelyne), Spencer (Melina); and seven great-grandchildren; Jim’s five children: Marlee Larson(Ken), Debbie Osborne (Steve), Stan Fordyce, Tim Fordyce (RoseMary) and Bonnie Fordyce, along with Jim’s five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition Mona is also lovingly remembered by her brother Lyle. She is predeceased by her first husband Hank Bergen and brother Terry.
The family is extremely sad that Covid Restrictions prevent us from inviting friends and extended relatives to join us in celebrating Mona’s life. A private graveside service will be held to honour Mona on November 6th.