Obituary of Priscilla Arlene Berggren

Priscilla Arlene Berggren passed into the arms of her Savior in complete peace at home, on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 in Venice, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Elsa Boren. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Ralph, daughters Carol Sears, Yakima, WA; Marcia (Douglas) Johnson, Wheaton, IL; and son David (Brandies) Berggren, Bellevue, WA. She was the grateful and loving grandmother “Mormor” of Kailey (Kyle) Sears, Brandon (Katy) Sears, Jocelyn (John) Springmann, Garrett Sears, Linnea (Fred) Long, Erik Johnson, Kirsten Johnson, Delaney (Austin) Williams, Reilly Berggren, Michael and Steven Berggren, and five great-grandsons.

Priscilla was born on December 19, 1931 in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating from nurses training at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, she married Ralph in 1952 and moved to the Chicago area. Priscilla was active in their church in Wheaton, IL (Evangel Baptist), serving as a deaconess for many years. As a consummate and generous hostess, Priscilla welcomed many, many missionaries and other guests into their home.

Priscilla continued to put out the welcome mat and make new friends as the family moved to Ontario Canada, then to Woodland Hills, CA, followed by years in Macon GA and Aurora, OH as well. When Ralph retired, they took up a summer residence, right on the ocean, in the home that Priscilla’s family had enjoyed decades earlier at Bonnet Shores, RI. In retirement, the couple traveled back and forth between Venice, FL, initially Rhode Island, and eventually Yakima, WA for several years, making frequent trips back to the Midwest and Pacific Northwest to spend cherished time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In her final twenty-plus years, Priscilla (with Ralph) poured their love and life into their grandkids; hosting huge get togethers, making delicious meals (and skorpa!), and traveling extensively. She was a special person who was an encourager, and always made others feel good when they talked with her. She treasured time with friends over a cup of coffee, and preferred desserts to entrees. Wherever the family resided, Priscilla continued to be active in their church and the local PEO chapters DU and BX.

Family was always the utmost priority for Priscilla, and she modeled being a supportive helpmate, gracious hosting, and the joy of serving Jesus for her children.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2:00 at the Venice Presbyterian Church, 825 The Rialto, Venice, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any ministry of the Venice Presbyterian Church.