Elsie Louise Bergstrom

Elsie was born in Orange, New Jersey, and raised in Morris Plains, NJ. There she met her future husband, Lennart, where they attended the same high school and church. She graduated from The Presbyterian School of Nursing in Newark. She was a Registered Nurse in New Jersey, working in a psychiatric hospital and later as a Tenafly High School nurse. After she and Len moved to Holland, Michigan, and they raised their three daughters, she returned to nursing and served as Director of Nursing for an area nursing home. She retired in the early 90s.

Elsie was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Holland, where she participated in a variety of activities including teaching Sunday school, Women’s Circle, Bible studies, serving as an elder and deacon, and leading a pastoral search committee. Her strong faith was evident throughout her life.

Elsie will be remembered for her kindness to others. She maintained many deep friendships from nursing school and these women became “Aunts” to her girls. Easy to talk to and always with a smile to offer, making friends came easily. For many years after retirement, she met friends for lunch several days each week. An animal lover and avid reader, Elsie spent hours with her books, often with a beloved cat on her lap and a dog nearby. She was a member of several bridge groups, enjoyed gardening, liked the color blue, and sweet treats.

Elsie loved her family deeply and hosted weekly family dinners for years. Her home was the center of countless gatherings and celebrations. She loved her grandchildren and they visited her often. She cultivated strong connections and showed sincere interest in their lives, supporting them with encouragement and advice; she was always bursting to share their accomplishments and next steps with her friends.

She is survived by her daughters: Ellen (Todd) Engle, Diane Bergstrom (Steve) Johnson, Karen Bergstrom (Brett Roach), grandchildren Denis Engle, Lena Engle (Michael Wickemeyer), Rachael Johnson (Rahul Gogia), Claire Johnson, Maegan Johnson (Wyatt Schwanbeck), Lauren Roach, Evan (Mikaela) Roach, great grandchildren Bo and Elsie Roach, her brother Al (Judy) Thomas of Denver, niece Lorie (Matt) Helms of Denver, and nephew Steven (Stephanie) Thomas of Norfolk. Her husband, Lennart preceded her in death in 2012.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James Street, Holland.

A memorial service will be October 25, (Saturday) 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, 659 State Street, Holland. Rev. Cathy Hoop will officiate. A private interment will be at a later date.

Donations may be made in Elsie’s name to Community Action House or Feeding America West Michigan.

Please visit www.lakeshorememorial.com to leave a message or memory for the Bergstrom family.