Sister Mary Angela Bergeron, CIC, dies Jan. 2 at 105

Sister  of the Immaculate Conception Mary Angela Bergeron, the oldest religious in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, died Jan. 2 at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center in New Orleans, just a few weeks before her 106th birthday. 

Sister Mary Angela  was born in Church Point, Louisiana, on Jan. 26, 1915, to Regis Bergeron and Agnes Colligan Bergeron. Her deceased brothers include Wilfred, Vincent, Jack, Evans, Joseph, Arceau and Gerard. 

Inspired by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, she entered the congregation on Dec. 7, 1933, professed first vows in 1935 and perpetual vows in 1939.

An educator for much of her life, she ministered in Louisiana in Lockport, Labadieville, Destrehan, White Castle, Church Point, New Orleans, Larose and Metairie. In 1999, following the sisters’ decision to sell their motherhouse in Metairie, Sister Angela, with a number of other members of her congregation, moved to Our Lady of Wisdom.

Her smile lit up any room that she entered. She loved her Cajun roots and appreciated Cajun cooking and music to the end, delighting in the family and friends who gathered each January to celebrate her birthday.  

She is survived by her blood sister, Sister of the Immaculate Conception Jerome Blank, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 8 at the Mausoleum of the Marianites of Holy Cross. Burial was private.