Obituary of Elaine Bergeson

On March 2, 2014, Elaine Lynne Bergeson entered into eternal rest with her life partner, Bill Rowland by her side. Elaine suffered for many years from a chronic painful illness, and passed away quietly and peacefully in her sleep. Elaine was born in Illinois, and moved with her parents to Idaho at the age of 8. She attended Boise schools, and graduated from Borah High School. Elaine was a smiling member of the Borah Drill Team ("The Lionettes") and ski team, and for several years was a part-time ski instructor at Bogus Basin. She loved to teach the mogul mouse classes, where the children called her "Lady Elaine" from Mr. Rogers TV show. Later she attended Boise State University, graduating with A.A.S. and B.A.S. Associate's degrees and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She was immediately hired by the State of Idaho Department of Corrections, where she has worked since June, 1994. Elaine started in Probation and Parole and worked her way up to a Correctional Manager position in the Administrative office of the IDOC. Her duties over the years were too numerous to list, but some of the highlights are: IDOC state Critical Incident Stress Management team coordinator; instructor at POST academy; IT Business liaison; as well as being a member or leader on so many teams and planning and project committees. She was eagerly looking forward to new challenges at work. Elaine was the best mother to her two children, Alyssa and Lukas. The children came first in Elaine's life and she never let anyone forget that. They will have only good memories of their mom being their biggest supporter and mentor when it came to studies, team sports, wrestling (Lukas), and debate (Alyssa). Along with Bill Rowland, the family loved to vacation along the Washington and Oregon coasts. Each vacation involved taking many road trips, visiting museums, seeing wildlife, forests, quaint towns, and of course, the ocean. Elaine was preceded in death by her grandparents Mildred and Bergie Walter Bergeson. She is survived by her two children Alyssa and Lukas, partner Bill Rowland, parents Jim and Frances Bergeson, former husband Wally Walcroft, in-laws Mary Lou and Lloyd Forbes, Cathy Walcroft and family, Helen and Arne Farnham, and Keri Rowland and family. She also leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as friends too numerous to count. Alyssa expressed how we all feel when she wrote: "Mom.... I can't even begin to think of what I could write that could capture your personality, your worth, your magic, or my grief at your passing. I miss you so much. It's immeasurable. I'm not sure how one handles losing someone so impossibly important to them. I love you. I love you so much. I'll love you and miss you forever. I mean... You're you. Just know that while I can never find the words to express my feelings about you or find the words to describe you, I miss you and I love you and you never had a day in your life where you weren't loved and needed. Thank you for everything. -With more love than you could possibly imagine, Alyssa". "Me, too…. Lukas" The funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday March 6 at Summers Funeral Home Ustick Chapel, 3629 E Ustick Road, Boise, Idaho. Please remember that Ustick Road is closed for construction between Cloverdale and Five Mile Roads. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the education of Alyssa and Lukas. Donations may be made for Elaine Bergeson in care of Frances Bergeson at any branch of Icon Credit Union.