BERGOS
Dorothy Elsie
July 27, 1933 - February 22, 2021
Dorothy Elsie Bergos, beloved wife of Alexander Bergos passed away peacefully in Drumheller, on February 22, 2021 at the age of 87 years. Mom was born on July 27, 1933 in Delia, Alberta. She was the only child of Francis and Elsie (Diegel) Porter. The family lived in Delia until the beginning of the war, at which time they moved to Ontario so Francis could serve in the army. Later they moved to Calgary, where Mom fell in love with city life and all it had to offer, especially going to the movies. No matter where she was going, a movie was on her agenda. Packing a lunch and hitting two or three movies a day was not uncommon. This love of movies helped many of us on winning many Trivial Pursuit games. In 1948, Mom, Grandpa and Grandma moved back to Drumheller where Grandpa started Porter Signs. After Mom finished school she began a career as a secretary with Century Coals Ltd. and later on Commander Mines.
After a few years, Mom began working for Hudson’s Bay Oil and Gas out of Drumheller. Mom moved back to Calgary to work for Husky Oil and Gas. It was during this time, while visiting back and forth in Drumheller she met Dad, who farmed in the Orkney district. Mom and Dad married on October 26, 1957 and remained on the family farm until 1985. Mom enjoyed all the social activities in Orkney, which included evening skidoo trips through the district, game nights with the neighbours and gatherings at the Orkney Hall. These are all memories she treasured. Mom and Dad built a lovely home on the Red Deer River with great neighbours on either side, with the most beautiful view of the river and the valley right out their back door.
They would have celebrated 64 years of marriage this coming October. When asked, Mom would say her greatest joy were her children. Mom and Dad had a daughter, Sharon and a son, Grant. Grant married Tweet Bertamini and they have two daughters, Maria and Kia-Alexis. Mom and Dad were thrilled to have their first Great Grandson, Theo, who they adored.
While raising her children, Mom worked as a teaching assistant at the Orkney School until it closed around 1975. She loved this job and loved all the Orkney kids. Later Mom started to work at the Drumheller FCSS. Eventually, Mom and Sharon operated Valley Office Assistance in Drumheller until such time as she accepted the Managerial position at the Drumheller Chamber of Commerce, a position that she held for 15 years. Mom’s work with the Chamber included fostering a healthy commerce, July 1st activities and the creation of the Royal Tyrrell Museum Giftshop. Mom’s work with the Chamber of Commerce created a further interest in the wellbeing of the valley. Following in her Father’s footsteps, Mom entered into politics and served two terms on City Council.
Mom enjoyed the many committees she worked on especially the Movie Committee. As per Mom’s love of movies this committee was a dream come true. Working with the movie industry Mom used her knowledge of the area to find them the perfect place to film. Mom was thrilled with the opportunity to work with the Movie Industry and getting to meet Directors, Actors, and Actresses. It was well known when it was Academy Awards night, everything stopped in the house. Supper was early and there were no phone calls made as Mom was glued to the television watching from the red carpet to the last award.
Mom also sat on the Fire and Police Board and Sunshine Lodge Board developing a whole new group of work colleagues and friends. Included in her volunteerism was a 20 year role with the Drumheller Stampede and Ag Society. Mom was a member and Chairperson of the Drumheller Institution Citizen Advisory Committee for 25 years. As a young girl, Mom joined the Knox United Church and was always more than happy to sit on various church committees. Even in retirement, she was unable to sit still and worked for her friend Patrice Wolfe at the Antique Store and then the Heartwood Manor and Spa. Mom was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi. She cherished the friendship of her Sorority Sisters and thoroughly enjoyed all the volunteer activities they took on. Mom took a freelance job at the Drumheller Mail, writing all the family history stories of long-time residents of Drumheller and surrounding areas. She particularly loved this job reacquainting herself with many of the oldtimers in the valley.
Mom had the greatest love for travel. She had a large map of the world stapled to a wall in her home. The map was covered with pins that represented all of the places she had been. One of the highlights was her trip to New York City. This was a life-long dream of hers to be able to attend the live theater and take in all the many sights. When Mom developed Parkinsons she was fortunate to continue travelling with her friend Patrice Wolfe, to cross off a few more bucket list trips.
During Mom’s time spent at Continuing Care, her management skills and political savy fostered changes up and including the daily supper menu. Mom enjoyed the recreational activities and always contributed to ideas of improvement. Mom even accused the Recreational Gals of making the Trivial Pursuit Game too easy. Mom had her own phone, television, Ipad with internet, and even Netflix. This enabled her to keep in touch with all her friends, up to date with all the news and the thousands of movies on Netflix.
Mom lived a very eventful, busy and accomplished life. She made such an impact on the Town of Drumheller. Mom was a strong independent woman, paving the way for other women. There was not a function or an event that she missed, and her love for life never wavered. We are sure when Mom showed up at Heaven’s Gate, she was asking what time Happy Hour would start and who was bringing the Appys.
Mom was pre-deceased by her parents Francis and Elsie Porter and in 2005, mourned the loss of her Grandson
Corbett Schaffer.
Mom leaves behind her Husband Alex, Daughter Sharon, Son Grant, Daughter-in-Law Tweet, Grandchildren Maria and Grant, Kia and Trevor and Great Grandson Theo.
Our family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at the Drumheller Long Term Care and Acute Care for providing excellent care to Mom, as well as the Recreation Department for entertaining her over the years. Thank you, to Dr. Chetty, Dr. Mateer, Dr. Graham and Dr. Liknes for their compassion and attention they provided Mom. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all Mom’s friends who continued to find the time to visit her, hold coffee parties or call her at Long Term Care. Although the Parkinsons limited Mom’s ability to get out and see her friends, her friends made time to come and visit her.
Due to Covid, no service will be held at this time. Our family would like to encourage Mom’s friends to remember by doing some of the things she loved – take in a Movie or have a little bubbly in her memory.
If friends so desire memorial tributes can be made to the Drumheller Health Foundation specifically towards the Recreation Department, 351 – 9th Street N.W. Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y1 or to the charity of their choice.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements 403-823-2666.
