Jane G. Holliway Bergner, 77, of Mesa, AZ, died December 13, 2024, from complications of multiple sclerosis.
She is survived by her husband, David Bergner of the home; stepson Zachary Bergner, daughter-in-law Jamie Prestridge and grandchildren Max and Izzy, all of Baltimore; brother Robert Holliway of Georgia; brother-in-law Mike Bergner and nephew Brien Bergner and niece Karin Bergner Metcalfe; of Blue Springs, MO; her close Bushman cousins of Virginia and Pennsylvania; her ‘’surrogate granddaughter’’ Katie Fanslow; and many dear friends.
Much gratitude to her hospice RN Joye Brookestone, in easing her final transition.
Jane was born in Jefferson City, Mo to the late Mary Francis and Robert Holliway where she attended elementary and high school. She obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and an Education Specialist diploma from the University of Missouri- Columbia where she belonged to Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She always remained a loyal “Mizzou Tiger.”
She loved teaching and taught English at Truman High School in Independence, MO for 28 years, receiving the Teacher of the Year Award in 1985-86 for inspiring thousands of students. She was well respected and admired by her students, colleagues and staff and relished her nickname of “Witch Jane.’’ She retired in 1998 because of MS, which was diagnosed in 1991. She continued working for the school district part-time supporting home-bound students until 2008. To the end, she was a dedicated, consummate educator who guided and influenced so many.
She met Dave, the love of her life and soulmate, on a blind date in 1982 and they married in January 1985. They lived in Kansas City, Mo until June 2010, when they relocated to sunny Arizona. Jane enjoyed many road trips and cruises with Dave, concerts, plays, times with friends and relatives, the KC Royals, her crime shows, her swimming pool, and her nightly beer. She was always upbeat and valiantly fought MS. Jane is remembered for her beauty, wit, big, warm smile and trademark, “I’m Peachy!”
Cremation. No funeral or memorial service. Remember her with a toast in her name.
Instead of flowers, please donate to the MS Society or the Humane Society or ASPCA in her name.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I was so sorry to hear of Jane’s death. Our paths originally crossed when I was a student in her English Class in her first year of teaching. Her best buddy, another new teacher, was Sheri Adams. I married Sheri’s sister 7 years later and Jane became a part of our family because of her closeness to Sheri. What many don’t know is that when Sheri also passed away all too soon many years ago, Jane continued to stay in contact with Sheri’s mom (my mother-in-law). Jane and I touched based monthly about JoJo. Jane showed immeasurable love and care for Sheri’s mom and has been a blessing to our family all these years. If only the world had more people filled with love, compassion, and care like Jane!!