Helen H. (Johnson) Bergman, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Her husband of 51 years Russell L. Bergman, predeceased her in 1997. She leaves 2 daughters and their husbands: Sandra M. and Henry Sawyer of Newton, NH and Cathy and Donald Sheehan of Charlton with whom Helen and Russell lived for many years prior to her moving to Life Care Center in Auburn. She also leaves 5 granddaughters: Sharoll L. L’Italien and her husband Mark of North Chelmsford, Tara L. Appling and her husband Ronald of Sturbridge, Kirsten J. Bergman and her husband Jason of Carthage, NY, Amy B. Villanueva of Charlton, and Johanna H. Webb and her husband Roy of Sturbridge; 12 Great Grandchildren: Olivia, Avery and Kamari L’Italien; Merope and Russell Bergman; Miguel and Anthony J. Villanueva, Isaiah, Maia and Lila Appling; and Elijah and Sophia Webb; a devoted brother and friend, John W. Johnson of Glastonbury, CT; a dear friend and neighbor, Jane E. Beaudreau of Charlton; and many nieces and nephews, including William Dunn of Charlton, and Stephen and Jeffrey Corcoran of Shrewsbury. She is predeceased by a granddaughter, Melissa Hodge Chenevert; 2 brothers: Elmer Nordfeldt and Donald Johnson; 3 sisters: Ethel Perreault, Edna Corcoran, and Gunhild Dunn.

     Helen was born in Auburn, a daughter of Axel D. Johnson of Lulea, Sweden and Gunda S. (Broman) Nordfeldt of Stockholm, Sweden. Helen attended Auburn High School and worked as an inspector and payroll clerk at Astra Pharmaceutical in Worcester and Westboro, retiring in 1988 after 31 years. She was a charter member of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Shrewsbury where she served on its Altar Guild for many years. She enjoyed counted cross stitch, bingo, and hosting Saturday night card games with her family and friends. She and her husband were very active for many years at the Homeless Veterans Shelter in Worcester through TROA, preparing meals for the veterans. Mormor, or Great Mormor, as she was affectionately called, was especially proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always willing to help out whether by babysitting or simply rocking babies to sleep in her rocking chair. Helen was the consummate caregiver, always volunteering to help friends and family members. She loved carrying on her Swedish traditions by preparing favorite family meals, and her Swedish coffeebread was simply the best.

     Helen’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all of the staff and volunteers at Life Care Center of Auburn for the wonderful care and love shown to Helen during her stay there. The nursing staff, recreation staff, and housekeeping staff all went out of their way to make sure Helen was comfortable, safe, and happy.

     Helen was blessed with an unwavering faith which carried her through many trials. She was always happy to have others join her in prayer, and she especially enjoyed bedtime prayers with her roommate and friend, Carmella.

     Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 4-7 PM in Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 11:00 AM in Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 34 Prospect Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund, 34 Prospect St, Shrewsbury, MA or to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, 8330 Ward Parkway, Suite 510, Kansas City, MO 64114.