Janice Marie O'Brien West Bergman

Janice Marie O’Brien West Bergman, age 93, went home to be with our Lord, on July 1, 2026. Her journey on this earth was marked by faith, resilience, and a heart that gave endlessly.

Born to Joseph and Opal O’Brien in Omaha Nebraska, Janice entered the world with a spirit and a strength that carried her through life’s greatest joys and challenges. The values instilled in her by her parents shaped the woman she became — devoted, steadfast, and full of grace. Being Irish, she had a spirit of boldness and feistiness that led her to write to the Pope when He needed to be corrected. She believed in going straight to the top!!!

Janice married James E. West, the love of her youth, and together they built a home grounded in devotion, and unwavering commitment. As Jim served his country through long deployments during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, Janice served faithfully at home — raising their five children, Robert, Michael, Kathleen, Lynn, and Scott — with courage, tenderness, and steadfast trust in God’s plan.

We remember a time when dad had already gone to Germany and mom, with four children (ages 6 months to 9 years old) packed us all up and took us to Germany. During that trip, on a layover in Ireland, she had to find a lost Bobby while keeping track of the other 3 kids.  During those challenges, she became the pillar of strength guiding her children with wisdom, patience, and a love that never wavered.

Throughout her life, Janice was blessed with meaningful friendships. She formed warm connections through her church and served on the MCCW ministry (Military Council of Catholic Women), where she served the Lord by helping take care of others when they were ill providing food and helping with any of their needs and just being there for them. When Kathy had knee surgery and Lynn had shoulder surgery, Mom compassionately insisted on helping with their recovery. Over the years, she enjoyed camping clubs and community groups where friendships brought her laughter, support, and companionship, and she cherished each one.

When Jim’s health declined due to cancer and diabetes, Janice cared for him with a grace that reflected the vows she held sacred. She walked beside him through every stage of his illness, offering comfort, strength, and a quiet faith that sustained them both. Her devotion during those years was a living testimony to the depth of her love.

After Jim’s passing, God brought Janice a second blessing in the form of a familiar face — Robert L. “Bob” Bergman, a schoolmate from her earlier years. Their reunion was a gift, a reminder that love can return in unexpected seasons. Bob embraced Janice’s children as his own, and he cherished her grandchildren with warmth and pride. Together, they built a joyful chapter of companionship and love. And when Bob’s health began to fail, Janice once again stepped into the role of caregiver with the same unwavering compassion that defined her life.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Her legacy grew into 15 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter, each one a blessing for which she thanked God. She prayed for them, celebrated them, and loved them with a heart that never stopped giving. To her family, she was a source of support, comfort, and unconditional love.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Opal O’Brien, her brothers Larry and Gary, both of her beloved husbands Jim West and Bob Bergman, her son Robert, her daughter-in-law Annette, and her great-grandson Peyton. Her home was a place of welcome, her table always open, her stories always ready to be shared. She lived her faith quietly but powerfully, through kindness, forgiveness, and a life of service. Her strength was gentle, her humor warm, and her compassion boundless.

Janice leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to shine through the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched. Though she has left this earthly home, her spirit lives on — in her family, in her friendships, and in every heart, she blessed along the way. Her loved ones take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with Jim and Bob, held in the arms of her Savior, and surrounded by eternal peace.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

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