Celebrating the life of
Shirley Shearouse Bergen
May 11, 1928 - September 01, 2013
Shirley Shearouse Bergen
Shirley Shearouse Bergen, the wife of the late Joseph Bodell Bergen, J.D., died on September 1, 2013. She was the daughter of the late Fred LaRoche Shearouse and the late Elizabeth Blitch Shearouse. She was a Communicant of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. She was a First Honor Graduate of Pape School that later merged with the Savannah Country Day School, and was accepted at Vassar College where she studied for two years before transferring to the University of Georgia where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.
She was a Sustainer Member of the Junior League of Savannah and was a volunteer at the Savannah Country Day School where her children attended. She was active in the Savannah Symphony Women's Guild, the Telfair Academy and served on the Board of Directors of the Savannah Home for Girls. She was an avid bridge player.
She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Joe, to who she had been happily married for 55 years. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Bergen Zabak, and her husband, Richard Michael Zabak, J.D.; her daughter, Virginia Bergen Smircic, her husband, Frank Smircic, Jr., and their child, her granddaughter and namesake, Shirley Bergen Smircic; and her son, Frederick Shearouse Bergen, J.D., and his wife, Malinda Bradley Bergen, and their children, her grandson, Frederick Shearouse Bergen, Jr., and her granddaughter, Fontaine Bradley Bergen. She is survived by her sister, Jenny Shearouse Sligh, and her four sons, Howard, Gordon, Stuart and Matthew Sligh and their families. She was predeceased by her nephew, Charles Sligh, and her great nephew, Stuart Sligh, Jr.
The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude and love her many caregivers: Delores Davis, Mary DeLoach, Connie Ellis, Delores Haynes, Kellise Hughes, Dartheia Jackson, Hortense Kemp, Moshell Roberts, Rose Roberts, Johnnie Mae Snider, Vera Scott, Marie Small and Mary White.
There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Holy Cross Section of Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow at the home of Malinda and Fred Bergen.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Stuart F. Sligh, Jr. Memorial Foundation, 123 East Charlton Street, Savannah, GA. 31401.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Dear Fred, My deepest sympathy to you and the entire Family on the passing of your Mother.It is never easy and you have the memories to move forward.You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. May you let God's Word comfort you when it reads, “If an able-bodied man dies can he live again? You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.†Job 14:14, 15. God will have a yearning to resurrect faithful ones.
- Trina, , GA
Our deepest condolences goes to the Bergen family. It's never easy to lose a loved one in death. Please take comfort in the bibles promise of a time when tears, death and pain will be no more. Rev.21:3, 4 May the God of comfort continue to be with you during this difficult time.
- The Newkirks, Savannah, GA
Fred and Melinda, Your mother was a lovely lady and a fun person to be with. I know you will miss her. She had a good life and I know she is with the Angles. Wanda Brooks
- Wanda Brooks, Savannah, GA
Fred Sorry to hear about your mom She was quite a sport I remember when she and your dad came to the marina She was always in a hurry We will miss her Frank
- Frank VanGiesen, Savannah, GA
Praying for your family.
- Adger Ross, Savannah, GA
Dear Fred, My deepest sympathy to you and the entire Family on the passing of your Mother.It is never easy and you have the memories to move forward.You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. May you let God's Word comfort you when it reads, “If an able-bodied man dies can he live again? You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.†Job 14:14, 15. God will have a yearning to resurrect faithful ones.
- Trina, , GA
Our deepest condolences goes to the Bergen family. It's never easy to lose a loved one in death. Please take comfort in the bibles promise of a time when tears, death and pain will be no more. Rev.21:3, 4 May the God of comfort continue to be with you during this difficult time.
- The Newkirks, Savannah, GA
Fred and Melinda, Your mother was a lovely lady and a fun person to be with. I know you will miss her. She had a good life and I know she is with the Angles. Wanda Brooks
- Wanda Brooks, Savannah, GA
Fred Sorry to hear about your mom She was quite a sport I remember when she and your dad came to the marina She was always in a hurry We will miss her Frank
- Frank VanGiesen, Savannah, GA
Praying for your family.
- Adger Ross, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
