Josephine Bergum

Josephine Annette Bergum, "Josie," age 94, of Macomb, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2023. Throughout her life, Josie was known as kindhearted and generous, extending her love, care, and financial resources to those who needed it. Josie was born on July 12, 1928, in East Pointe, Michigan, which at the time of her birth was called Halfway. Josie was a natural leader, a resourceful older sister to her younger sisters, Mary Ann and Patricia. She grew up tending the family garden to provide food for the family, surviving the sparse years of the Depression in Detroit with her no-nonsense pragmatism and good humor. A perennial "glass half full" type of gal, she was kind to everyone she met. Josie graduated from East Detroit High School in 1946. She met her soon-to-be husband, Harold Bergum and began "going steady" shortly after graduating high school. In their courtship, they spent nights out on the town dancing with a vibrant and booming 1940s Detroit as their backdrop. In her later years, Josie would remember her dancing days with deep fondness. Josie and Harold were married on April 30, 1949, and went on to have four children, Bruce, David "Dave," Kathleen "Kathy," and Paul. Josie worked as a school secretary while raising their four children. When Josie and Harold retired from their careers, their attention shifted to world travel. Josie, always appreciative of good food, enjoyed sampling the world's cuisines. Travel highlights were their trips to Denmark and Scandinavia. Josie and Harold also traveled to Southeast Asia to visit their son, Paul. Throughout her life and into retirement, Josie loved to golf, play cards with friends, host parties, and hang out at the lake with her family in Northern Michigan. Josie always had a deep love for animals and was especially bonded to her late dog, Buffy. Josie is predeceased by her husband, Harold, her beloved daughter, Kathy, and her sisters, Mary Ann and Patricia. Josie is survived by her children, Bruce Bergum, Dave Bergum, and Paul Bergum, as well as her seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Josie will be honored by her loved ones at an event to spread her ashes at the Bergum family property in July 2023.