She was born August 13, 1922 in Framingham, MA, the daughter of William and Eva Pilotte Brown. Her mother died young, and Virginia was raised with great love by her aunt and uncle, Mabel and Joseph O. Landry. She spent her happy childhood in Norwood, MA and graduated from Norwood High School in 1939. She studied English and Theater at Emerson College in Boston, and following her graduation in 1943 began her fulfilling career in teaching.
She met her husband, Jean Paul Bergeron, on a blind date and they married in 1948, enjoying a loving marriage of 66 years. They settled in Norwood and had two daughters, Janine and Suzanne. Virginia stayed home when her children were young, but was active in the church and community, leading youth programs in town.
The family moved to Maine in 1964, where she and Paul built a home in Brunswick. She returned to teaching in Maine and ultimately retired after a long and rewarding career in Brunswick and Topsham schools. She and Paul built, then renovated a seasonal home in Shapleigh where the family spent the happiest of times, gathered a summer
“family,” and wove incredible memories.
Virginia loved her family, was devoted to her friends, church and community. She travelled happily throughout the US and Europe. She was always ready for fun and made each small occasion a celebration. Her energy, creativity, and joyful love of life were infectious. She especially loved the arts, theater, music, reading, sewing, and new adventure. Virginia embraced each challenge with optimism, confidence, courage, and quiet faith. She was an amazing person, wife, and mother and will always be in the hearts of her daughters, Suzanne K. Bergeron, of Brunswick, and Janine Talbot and her spouse Elizabeth Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO. She was predeceased by her husband, J. Paul Bergeron, in 2015.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, January 18 from 4-6PM at Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 19 at 11AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church-All Saints Parish, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Brunswick will be in the spring.
Donations in her memory, may be made to All Saints Parish, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick, ME 04011.
Condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.
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