Emily Marie Berggren

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Emily Zenkner Berggren, at the age of 92. She was born Emily Marie Zenkner to Charles and Maria on March 10th, 1930, in La Grange, Texas. She was baptized on July 13th, 1930, at Shelby Lutheran Church. She grew up in the towns of Fayetteville, Warrenton, and Carmine before the family moved to Austin in 1942 when she was 12. Emily was confirmed at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in 1944. In 1945, Emily gained a sister with the birth of Shirley Gayle. Emily played not just the role of an older sister, but also a mentor to Shirley. After graduating from Austin High School in 1948, she had a career in retail and banking. In 1952, she met her future husband and love of her life, Gordon Berggren. Upon his return from serving in the Korean War, Emily and Gordon were married on November 12, 1955, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church. Three years later, their beautiful daughter, Pamela Gayle was born. Emily’s father, Charles, passed away too soon in 1959, which required Maria, Emily, and Shirley to take the family helm. Gordon played an invaluable role as a male presence, providing unconditional support and love to this truly special family.

Along with being a devoted mother and wife, Emily’s keen eye for style and color created an idyllic home. Her love of entertaining guests and family made for a warm and loving place to make new memories. Emily’s strong faith, courage, and tenacity guided her when faced with unexpected challenges. When Gordon suffered a stroke in 1991 and was no longer able to work, she immediately stepped up as head of the house. Along with caring for her husband, she returned to the workforce with the IRS to provide for her family until her retirement. Emily forged on with an unwavering constitution, setting an example for the loved ones around her. Her mother Maria passed away at the age of 93 in 2001, leaving her the role as family matriarch. She lost her husband Gordon in 2005. Later in life, Emily took cancer head on with a defiant courage, against all odds and NEVER giving up. Her devoted and loving daughter Pamela, along with her husband Edward and their son Christian, moved her to live with them in Tennessee to take care of her. They remained by her side surrounding her with love.

Emily is survived by her daughter Pamela Scheffer, her husband Edward, and their son Christian. Additional survivors are Emily’s “favorite sister” Shirley Smith Scott, Nephew and Godson Alan Smith, and his wife Nancy. She is also survived by beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, who through the years received thoughtful calls and beautiful cards, always penned in her beautiful handwriting! Emily was predeceased by her parents, her husband Gordon Berggren, brother-in-law W. J. Scott, and niece Ellyn Maree Smith.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and angels who took care of her the last 4 years at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital, St. Thomas Heart, and Tennessee Oncology. Dr. Yanjun Ma for trying so hard to slow down the cancer, she was Emily's favorite. Dr. T. Michael Helton, Dr. Peter Robertson, Dr Edward Rhim who called her feisty and Dr. Shawn Horwitz who gave her another 2 years.

Please join us for visitation at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home on Monday, July 18th, 2022 from 5-7pm, located at 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Tx 78731. Emily will receive a Christian burial Tuesday at 10am, July 19th, 2022, at the New Sweden Cemetery located at 11301-11417 New Sweden Rd, Manor, Tx 78653.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alive Hospice, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Austin, Tx, and New Sweden Lutheran Church in Manor, Tx. You may also donate to any cancer research foundation of your choice in honor of Emily.