August 26, 1976 – December 16, 2012
at the age of 36 years
Celebration of Life: Saturday, January 12, 2013, 11:00 a.m., Fischer’s Funeral
Words alone cannot convey the depth of our sadness at the sudden passing of Rhonda Leigh Bergen on December 16th, 2012 at the young age of 36yrs; her family at her side. Rhonda was predeceased by her mother, Ann Leible, and leaves behind her father, Alex Leible of Salmon Arm. She is survived by her brother Rod (Deb) Bergen of Revelstoke, sisters Deb (Eliseo)Butlerand Carol-Anne Bergen, both of Kamloops and Lee (Kevin) Holden of Salmon Arm. Nieces and nephews, Nikki, Heath, Brandi, Chris, Ashley, Kirsten and Kaeden. Great nephews, Kayson, Laken, Taven; great nieces Taylor, Avery and Adalyn.
Rhonda was born in Kelowna, BC on August 26, 1976. She moved with family to Salmon Arm and built a life full of accomplishments including graduation from Okanagan College, work in a meaningful career, travel (England,Scotland, and Ireland), a beautiful home and a large network of friends and family.
She will be greatly missed by her community of close friends from Lynndale Lodge, 2010 Foothills home and Zellers. Rhonda loved her work caring for those who appreciated her giving heart and catching sense of humour. Her infectious smile and spirit brought sunshine to everyone’s day. She left a lasting impression with everyone she met.
Her deepest love was evident to family and friends; spending time with each and every one of them, laughing and just “being”. Her creative nature allowed her to appreciate and capture special moments; these events seen by her as priceless. She poured all her love into creating books full of memories, insisting that each and every one was as important as the next.
Please join us in celebrating the life of our sweet, generous, “heart of gold”, sometimes off the wall hilarious Rhonda! In knowing how humour truly defined this young woman, at her request, we must include it during our celebration. We ask that you bring and wear your silliest hat! There will be an appropriate time during the service that we will ask you to wear it; to honour our dear Rhonda.
Celebration of Life to be held at Fischer’s Funeral Services, Jan. 12th at 11am, followed by a tea.
In lieu of flowers and other in- kind support, the family has set up a trust fund in her name. Please contact either Deb Butler 778-470-3702 or Lee Holden 250-832-6485.
Thank you dear family and friends. We appreciate your kind words, sentiments and sharing of memories. xoxo Lee & family
Words cannot express our loss in losing such a special person. Rhonda will be dearly missed by all who knew her. I first met Rhonda in the 8th Grade, were we quickly became friends. Rhonda was a true friend, the best that any could ask for. Although life gets busy and we may not have seen much of each other in the last few years, it was always like old times when talking to her on the phone. A good friend is always easy to visit with, no matter how long it has been since you last talked; Rhonda was such a friend. When I think of Rhonda, I always picture her with her ready smile and infectious laugh, and I can’t help but smile at her memory. Those of us who knew Rhonda were truly blessed.
Our thoughts will be with Alex and family at the memorial service for Rhonda, we had hope to be able to attend the service, but due to weather and road conditions from
from the interior to Salmon Arm, we cannot chance it.
With heartfelt sympathy Uncle Mike, Aunt Rita and families.
I found out about Rhonda’s passing from Rhonda’s boss Shannon whilst I was on my way into Askew’s uptown to start work. You can imagine the grief that bestowed me after hearing the shocking news. I was quite beside myself with grief. I walked to our staff room with tears welling up in my eyes. “How was I going to finish my shift after hearing about Rhonda’s death”? Needless to say during that shift and every day since I have thought about sweet, loving, caring Rhonda. I remember her and I eagerly telling each other about the great deals on “scrapbooking” accessories. She was a scrapbooker and I, a greeting card maker”. Many times we would swap different crafy things with one and other and would always love talking about the many new and fun things for our crafts. I will always remember Rhonda with a smile on her face when we worked side by side at Zeller’s on the cash registers. She’d vent about what “this” nasty customer did but would never keep a sad or agitated scowl for long. Many times we’d just share laughs about our funny customers. She so loved her family and I’d see her in Zeller’s with all of you and her nieces and nephews whom she adored. I am very honored to have been a co-worker and aquiantance of Rhonda’s and like me and many others, we will truly miss her. With heartfelt Sympathy, Pat.
Dear Family
I had the pleasure of knowing Rhonda when she was in elementary school with my daughter Kerry Hollingsworth. I ca remember taking her to sleep overs when Rhonda lived on downie st. Such a bubbly girl. And I can see her face as a young adult at 711 ?here in Revelstoke. Sadly we too lost Kerry in 2011. The pain does not go away, nor should it. Memories will keep you strong.
Thinking of you
Jill Brown
I just heard of Rhonda’s passing a few mins ago…. My thoughts prayers and heart go out to all her family and friends
It is so hard to believe Rhonda is gone. We have such wonderful memories of the many times she hung out at our place with her group of friends. Our hearts ache for her family and friends who have lost such a special person. She will be remembered. We loved her.