VIRGINIA BEACH – Caroline Braun Bergren, 95, passed away peacefully April 13, 2016, at Seaside Health Center at Atlantic Shores. Born December 13, 1920, Carrie was the daughter of the late Ladice and Athniel Braun. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1942, where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority and later a member of P.E.O International. She married her husband, Orv, in San Diego in 1943 and was a dedicated Marine Corps wife the first 20 years of their marriage. Post-military retirement, they spent the next 20 years in Barrington, IL, then retired to Rancho Bernardo, CA. She and Orv moved to Virginia Beach 13 years ago where they enjoyed their second retirement at Atlantic Shores. A member of the “Greatest Generation”, she was a woman of grace, kindness, and generosity, who dearly loved her family, friends and country and never met a stranger. Carrie was predeceased by her husband, Orville Bergren, son, Stephen Bergren, and brothers, Robert and Theodore Braun and sister Dorothy Turner.
She is survived by son Scott Bergren and wife Bama of San Francisco, daughter Sue Budorick and husband Tim of Virginia Beach, and daughter-in-law Cristina Morgan Bergren of Atherton, CA; grandchildren, John and Lauren Budorick of San Francisco, Kate Budorick of Charlottesville, Abby Budorick of Virginia Beach, Christine Orr and husband James of Redwood City, CA, Casey White and husband Dana of Encinitas, CA, and Diana Fink and husband Matt of Glencoe, IL; and great-grandchildren, Jimmy and John Orr, Emma, Mia and Lucas White, and June and Ben Fink. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was so proud of all of her offspring. Mom, Carrie, Granny- you will be greatly missed by your loving family and a multitude of friends near and far.
The family wishes to thank all of the health care workers with Cozy Home Care and at Seaside Health Care Center who provided amazing care for her in her final few years. At her request, there will be no formal services. She will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with her husband and son and many of their old friends. A celebration of her life will be private. The Cremation Society of Virginia, Virginia Beach office, is handling the arrangements.