BURLINGTON – Caroline “Car” Mae Dougherty Bergeron, 65, died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, with her loving and caring husband by her side in their home after a courageous, fighting battle with lung cancer. Caroline was born March 6, 1944, in Burlington, the beautiful daughter of Lorraine (Chagnon) Sweeney currently of Burlington, and her father James Dougherty, who predeceased his daughter. Caroline was a graduate of BHS, class of 1963 and a lifelong resident of Burlington. Car worked several jobs throughout her life but her absolute pride and joy was rearing her two children. James “Jimmy” Bergeron and Michelle Mary Little. Caroline was an amazing women, who enjoyed the simple things of life. A neat and peaceful home. Good food and coffee. Holidays with family at home. Crossword puzzles and word finds. Helping her children in any way and being available to talk and listen whenever she was called upon. She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched. Caroline was predeceased by biological father, James Dougherty, her step-father Walter Sweeney and her one and only sister, Catherine “Dee Dee” Hatin. Caroline is survived by her wonderful husband Richard “Dick” Bergeron of Burlington, who celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on June 13, 2009. They were married at Saint Joseph’s Church in Burlington. Her mother, Lorraine Sweeney of Cathedral Square, Burlington. Her son, James “Jimmy” Richard Bergeron of Burlington, and her baby girl Michelle Mary Little and her husband Timothy “Timmy” Little of Milton. Her two brothers, James Dougherty and his wife Carol of Alburgh, and Robert “Bobby” Dougherty of Burlington. Many sister and brother inlaws and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the country. And finally, two of the cutest rescue cats – Precious and Patches who plan on keeping Dick company for many years to come. Our family would like to extend our gratitude and sincere thanks to Doctor Steven Grunberg, all of the staff at FAHC’s Oncology Unit, and the volunteers at FAHC who brightened mom’s days a little bit more with their therapy dogs and massage – it made the long chemo days a little shorter. We’d like to also thank the VNA and Hospice Programs. Mom was truly blessed by their care, compassion, and help. As a family, we really felt that these folks and nurses are angels on earth. We could not have done these last couple of weeks without their support. A celebration and mass of Christian burial will be performed by Father Bill Giroux at Saint Mark’s Church, North Avenue, Burlington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at 11 a.m. immediately following graveside burial at Resurrection Cemetery South Burlington. Calling hours will be Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 71 South Union Street, Burlington, VT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Caroline’s name in her memory to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness Court, South Burlington, VT, 05403, 802-8620135.
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Published by The Burlington Free Press on Nov. 16, 2009.