Dolores Mae Bergen

Dolores was born to Paul Bley Burton and Ann Marie Cryan Burton on December 24, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois. Her family moved to California during World War Two and she graduated from Cathedral Girls High in San Diego. She studied education at San Diego State College, finishing in 1950 and teaching in the San Diego Unified District for nine years. An avid dancer, she was a founding member of the San Diego International Folk Dancers.

Dolores married F. Newman “Bergie” Bergen in 1955 and they had three daughters. She was very active volunteering in her children’s schools, leading youth groups and teaching folk dancing. Loma Portal Elementary School twice honored her with the PTA Lifetime Achievement Award. Dolores also donated countless hours of her time to Saint Agnes Church and sang in its choir for 40 years. Her proudest accomplishments were being a demonstration teacher during her teaching career, and later returning to work as an elementary school librarian at Loma Portal.

After retiring, the Bergens enjoyed traveling the world and spending time together at home. Dolores was predeceased by her parents, husband and by her brother John Paul Burton. She’s survived by her three daughters, Joanne, Margo and Teresa Bergen; son-in-law Gideon Parque; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and David Demorest; sister-in-law Jan Widmer; nieces Barbara Burton and Julia Demorest; nephews Paul and Tim Demorest; and grand-nephews Ian Beppler and Liam and Kellen Demorest. Dolores appreciated the many caregivers who helped her near the end of her life, especially Kim Streeter. She also treasured her many pets over the years. Beloved cats Connor and Tess kept her company in her last years.

Dolores’ memorial mass will be held at Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Point Loma on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 10 AM. Reception to follow. She requested donations to two favorite charities—the Saint Agnes Catholic Church Mission Circle and Lions, Tigers and Bears animal sanctuary—in lieu of flowers.