ST. AUGUSTINE, FL ---- Donna Bergeron, 76, of St. Augustine, Florida, formerly of Laconia, NH, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 8, 2024 after a very long and courageous battle with Dementia/Alzheimer's disease.
Donna was born on September 23, 1947 in Framingham, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Ralph and Hazel (Butterfield) MacCracken.
Donna grew up in Chesterfield, NH, graduating from Keene High School in 1965. She was married at the age of 19 and had 2 daughters. She lived in Nashua, NH for a short time, then moved to Keene, NH for 7 years. She finally made her home in Laconia, NH in 1978 with her husband and her two daughters. Laconia was her home for almost 45 years. You would often see her out walking all over town as she loved to go for walks. Over the years Donna was a caretaker for the elderly as well as people who were physically and mentally disabled. Donna loved babies, children and animals, especially baby animals.
Donna was a very simple lady and didn't need much to make her happy. She was very involved with helping others who were less fortunate or just needed a helping hand. Over the years, she volunteered her time at Lakes Region General Hospital, St. Vincent DePaul, and Hands Across the Table. Donna was an amazing mother and was very involved with both of her daughters, Carrie and Stacey. One thing that she always longed for was to be a grandmother and her dream finally came true in 1999 and 2001 when her 2 grandsons, Ricky and Joey came into the world. She lived her life for her two grandsons. They meant more to her than life itself. She went to almost every single sporting and school event that the boys were in from the time they were in first grade right up until they graduated high school. You would always see her on the sidelines, finish lines or in the bleachers cheering them on. If for some reason she happened to miss a game she would be very upset about it. Donna was so happy and proud to be a Grammy.
When Donna wasn't working or spending time with her daughters and grandsons, she would be hiking, traveling or golfing with her special friend Bill Nartiff. She was an avid golfer at Oak Hill in Meredith, NH. In addition to enjoying watching golf on TV, she was a huge New England sports fan for the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics.
Donna loved to dance and listen to music. She especially enjoyed the music from the 50's and 60's. Her favorite TV shows were "Dancing with the Stars" and "Chopped". She was actually lucky enough to meet, sample some food and get a photograph with Chef Evan Hennessey, an award-winning chef and "Chopped" Champion 2 years prior to her passing at an event in Tilton, NH.
Her family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to all of the amazing staff and hospice nurses in Florida who helped care for Donna in her final weeks. A special thank you to Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach for their kind compassionate care when Mom passed.
Donna is now on her journey home to live with our most precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!!
Donna is survived by her 2 daughters, Carrie (Bergeron) Lennon and her significant other, Aaron Perry of Laconia, NH; Stacey (Bergeron) Harrison of St. Augustine, Florida; her 2 grandsons Richard "Ricky" Lennon of Belmont, NH and Joseph "Joey" Lennon of Laconia, NH; sister Judy Perez of Keene, NH; brothers-in-laws Kevin and Ted Bergeron; sister-in-law Linda Perry; her two very close and special friends, Rick and Marena Schultz of Laconia, NH; several nieces and nephews and lots of friends. Donna was predeceased by both of her parents, Ralph and Hazel MacCracken; 2 brothers, Duncan and Calvin MacCracken; her former husband and close friend, Clarence Bergeron, Jr; her very special longtime friend, Bill Nartiff; and her precious cat Jolene who brought her so much joy and love.
Per Donna's wishes, there will be no calling hours.
There will be a graveside service on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am at Union Cemetery on Academy St. in Laconia, NH for all who wish to say their goodbyes to Donna.
Immediately following the service, there will be a light luncheon served until 1:30 pm at the Briarcrest Estates Community Center Clubhouse located at 100 Diamond Place Laconia, NH. All are welcome to attend.
If you wish to honor Donna, the family suggests a donation in her name be made to the Alzheimers Association. Their website is act.alz.org or www.alz.org.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.