Mary Ellen Fitzgerald Bergquist

Mary Ellen Bergquist passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, in Chestertown, Maryland. Mary was born on September 17, 1931, in Plymouth, Indiana to Catherine and Lucien Fitzgerald. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, her parents and her brother Jack. Mary is survived by her sister Peggy (Margaret) Dion as well as her seven children, Leslie (Eric) Roeder, John (Karen) Bergquist, Kate (Wayne Bennett) Bergquist, Patrick Bergquist, Beth (Brian) Wiegmann, Sue (Jim) Thoresen and Emily (Scott Saxman) Bergquist. She is survived by her 11 grandchildren, Karl Roeder, Stephen Roeder, Garrett Bergquist, Samuel Bennett, Cassie Ramsey-Wiegmann, Mia Wiegmann, Tess Wiegmann, Sarah Thoresen, Tim Thoresen, Brennan Bergquist, and Callan Bergquist. Lastly, she is survived by her two great grandchildren, Liam and Leah Roeder. Mary’s life journey began in Teegarden, Indiana but her family relocated back to the family farm in Cresco, Iowa when she was young. She attended Ridgeway High School and delighted in attending their reunions throughout the years. As a teenager, she loved to go to the local dance hall and was a fiercely competitive basketball player. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Pharmacy, being one of a few women in her class to graduate. After school she began working as a pharmacist in Ottumwa, Iowa. She met John Bergquist in Ottumwa, and they were married on June 19th, 1954. Her life took her to many places including Wichita, Kansas; Iowa City, Iowa; Timonium, Maryland; Bethany Beach, Delaware and finally Chestertown, Maryland. Mary led an extremely busy life, balancing kids and working. She especially loved to play golf, bridge, and Scrabble. She enjoyed her time at both the Salt Pond and Heron Point and the many good friends that she made there. Her family was very important to her. Among her favorite times were the large family reunions at Christmas time in Bethany Beach. She will be greatly missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at Heron Point for the care and compassion our mother received. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Heron Point in Wesley Hall, Chestertown, Maryland. Her interment will be at 11:00 am, Monday, February 26, 2024, at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Dagsboro, Delaware followed by a reception at 12:00 at the Salt Pond Club House in Bethany Beach, Maryland. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to their favorite charity in Mary’s name. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ellen Fitzgerald Bergquist

September 17, 1931 - February 9, 2024