Betty Lou Bergman

Betty Lou Bergman was born to Abe and Susie Isaac on Nov. 2, 1931, in Shafter. Brother Don was born 5 years later. When she was eight, her parents adopted Vernon Unruh, who was 11 years old, a distant relative in Canada.

Betty attended Maple School through eighth grade and then Wasco High. Music was integral throughout her life. She chose music major in high school and sang in various choirs and groups, participated in musicals, and played the piano and clarinet.

Betty was a homemaker and musician. She found joy in looking after her family and others by cooking, cleaning, and entertaining. She and her husband, Lowell, together enjoyed entertaining family and friends; their home was a place of hospitality and music.

Betty enjoyed gardening and beautifying the yard with flowers. She participated in various church and community activities in Shafter and Bakersfield. She enjoyed being dressed nicely. When Lowell retired from farming, they began traveling some each year, seeing parts of the U.S. and Canada. She delighted in these road trips. A childhood memory may have fed this love: she traveled with her parents to Canada to bring cousin Vernon and his two brothers (each brother was adopted by a different family) back to California; a trip lasting 2 months.

Betty Bergman lived a life of gratitude and courage. After being ill for a year as a toddler, her kidneys were damaged. She was diagnosed with kidney disease after Lucy was born. She was able to live a normal life until age 84. Then she started dialysis. As her health declined in these final years, her gratitude and courage rose to new levels. She expressed gratitude to God and to others who came alongside her to assist her. She showed courage during difficult days early on and as her health declined. She leaves a legacy of faith, giving and music. Betty is survived by her daughter, Lucy and husband John; son Gordon and wife Melinda; brother Don and wife Connie Isaac; six grandchildren and spouses; 15 great grandchildren; and many other family and friends that she loved well. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be planned for this spring.