Augusta Margaret Bergquist (Martello) passed away at the age of 76 in her home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Sunday November 29, in the presence of God, her daughters, and her dearest friend. Augusta, affectionately called "Sam" or "Tootsie" by those who loved her, was born on July 12, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois. She attended St. Anthony's Grammar School and St. Willibrord Catholic High School, and attended her annual grammar school reunions, while remaining close with many of her childhood friends. She was a member of St. Anthony de Padua Parish and put her heart into her work at Roseland Community Hospital for many years. She moved to Fall Creek, Wisconsin in 1973 and remained in the Eau Claire area, working as a dedicated caregiver. Augusta was a hard-working and generous mother, daughter, sister, aunt, caregiver, and friend. She always put her family first, proudly raising eight children, spoiling nine grandchildren, and adopting many animals throughout her life. She approached every day with humor, infallible optimism, and great appreciation for all life's moments, big and small. To quote her, "As long as I'm alive, I'm going to live and be positive!" She championed the underdog, showed love and compassion to all living creatures, and understood the true meaning of kindness, love, forgiveness, and helping those in-need. She could often be found sitting in her backyard while drinking a Pepsi and reading or doing crossword puzzles. Augusta leaves behind her children, Brian (Jill) Bergquist, Kirk (Amie) Bergquist, Kellee (Brent) Koehler, Wendi Bergquist, Pam (Richard) Bergquist, Dianna (Chad) Bergquist, Megan Martello, and Stacey Martello; nine grandchildren, Brittany, Jacob, Joshua, Joseph, Justin, Brian, Amy, Leni, and Shylo; her sisters, Jean (Bob) and Rosalind; her brothers, Bill (Wan Ling), Augie (Kathy), and CJ Jim. She was preceded in death by her parents, Angelina and August Martello, her sister, Maria, and her brothers, Chester, August, and Romeo. There will be a Celebration of Life held in her honor on Sunday December 6, 2015, from 12 to 5PM at The Dulaney Inn & Heritage Room at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. In lieu of flowers, donations in Augusta's honor can be made to Bob's House for Dogs, Eau Claire County Humane Association, Irvine Park, or an animal shelter of your choice. Special thanks to all of the medical staff at Sacred Heart Cancer Center and Sacred Heart Hospital for their dedicated care.

Service Information

Celebration of Life

Sunday, December 6 2015 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

UWEC - Davies Center Putnam Drive and Roosevelt Avenue Eau Claire WI 54701