Obituaries

Joan Nolan Bergan, 87

February 14, 2021

Joan Nolan Bergan, 87, passed away at her home on Sunday, February 14th, 2021. She was born in Lancaster, the daughter of the late Augustine James and Miriam Lowell Nolan. She and her husband, the late Richard J. Bergan, Sr., were married in 1965. Her dear husband Richard died February 5, 2021.

Mrs. Bergan attended the former Sacred Heart Academy, Lancaster, and was a graduate of Lancaster Country Day School, class of 1951. She was a 1955, graduate of Saint Mary’s College. Notre Dame, Indiana where she received her degree in French, English, and Education. After graduation, she did post graduate studies at Millersville University, Georgetown University, and Villanova University.

Following graduation, Mrs. Bergan began her teaching career in the Solanco School District, teaching seventh and eighth grade at the Quarryville Boro Elementary School from 1955-1956. In 1956, she joined the faculty of the French and English Department at Manheim Township High School. From 1960-1966. Mrs. Bergan was Chairman of the Foreign Language Department of the Manheim Township School District. During her tenure, she was instrumental in establishing an elementary school French program in all the schools in the district. Russian was also added to the high school curriculum under her leadership.

In order to stay at home with her family, Mrs. Bergan resigned from teaching in 1966, but she continued to tutor students in French for several years as well as doing a minimal amount of substituting.

Mrs. Bergan was a Sustaining Member of The Junior League of Lancaster, and a former Corresponding Secretary for that group. She was also a member of The International Federation of Catholic Alumnae, and a Regent of the organization. She was an active participant in the Holy Cross Alumnae of both Sacred Heart Academy and Saint Mary’s College. A member of the former Saint Joseph Hospital Auxiliary, she also served as President of the P.T.O of Lancaster Catholic High School from 1983-1984.

A devout Catholic, Mrs. Bergan is a member of Saint Leo the Great Parish where she was a Lector for 25 years. At one time, she was curriculum coordinator of the High School CCD program at the church.

Besides her husband, she is survived by one son, Richard J. Jr.., husband of Mary Kathryn Bergan of Malvern, PA. There are three Grandchildren: Bridget Clare, Owen Richard, and Audrey Margaret Bergan.

A visitation with the family will be held from 11AM to 12PM on Friday, February 19, 2021, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 12PM with Rev. Stephen Logue as Celebrant at Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601. Interment will be at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to Sacred Heart Parochial School 235 Nevin St. Lancaster PA 17603 and Saint Leo the Great Parochial School at 2427 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601.

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Condolences to the Family

February 21, 2021

My heart and prayers go out to you and your family, Rick. Your parents were super special and your dad had a way of always making my mom laugh with their shared and very silly memories of upstate PA. I had never realized how accomplished your mom was. What a neat lady. I’m certain you miss them dearly and the pain of their deaths so close together must be so much to bear. But I can’t help but think there is an amazing love story in all of this. I hope and pray you find comfort and peace in all of the loving memories you hold. You’ll remain in my prayers,Lynne Ostrowski Groff

February 19, 2021

Rick, MaryKay and family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers now, sharing this as I think of you having to say good-bye to your mother, grandmother, so close to having to do the same with Dick. They loved each other, always checking in, to see that all was ok, day and night. They also loved you Rick, and spoke often of you and the family! I am thankful they didn’t have to be apart, but a few days, that would have been their wish! God granted it! Their rewards follow.I believe God will bless all of you for your love and devotion to Dick and Joan.
Blessings,
Lois A Hershey

February 19, 2021

Rick, MaryKay, Bridget, Owen, and Audrey:
It his with sincere sympathy all to soon the we express our sincerest condolences and offer our deepest prayers. Without out a doubt, a reuniting event of the holiest type. We wish your family peace.
The Battistas

February 19, 2021

To Rick,MaryKay,Bridget,Owen and Audrey….Your parents and grandparents were a very special couple who loved the Lord,each other and you! I treasure the many precious memories with and caring for them.You are a lovely,special family(and your dear dog..Winnie).Praying for the peace of Jesus to surround you. Both Dick and Joan are now reunited together again in Heaven with their Lord which was their greatest desire. Love and Prayers, Janet Shirk

February 18, 2021

Our condolences, Rick. Your parents were special people. 
Jack & Lena Hohenadel

February 18, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. She couldn’t be without your dad. They were always together. He took so good care of her. Prayers for you and your family. 
Kelly Hawthorne 

February 17, 2021

Feel so sad … missed her husbands funeral because I was not feeling good and the forecast was calling for snow. Now I read that Joan passed away about three days after her husband’s funeral.  So sad.  From a student who fondly remembers Joan from her first year at Manheim Township High School.
Fred (Bill) Schneider

February 17, 2021

Unquestionably,  Joan would want to be with Dick, and she didn’t wait long. We will miss Joan keep her in our prayers. Our condolences to Mary Kay, Rick and the grandchildren. 
Joe and Donna Storz

Visitation
Friday, February 19, 2021
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church
2427 Marietta Ave
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Friday, February 19, 2021
12:00 PM
Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church
2427 Marietta Ave
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

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