Barbara Jean Berglund (Hayden)

MISSOULA ~ Barbara Jean Berglund, 88, of Missoula, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 15, 2021 at The Springs At Missoula.

Jean was born on April 7, 1932 in Missoula, MT to Phelan and Erma Hayden. She attended Paxson Elementary School, Missoula County High School, and then studied Bacteriology at The University of Montana. While at the University she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority.

In her youth, Jean was particularly close to her older brother Norman and loved their many childhood adventures. She was outgoing and gained many lifelong friends and loved to spend time with all of them.

In 1957 she married Fred Berglund. Together they bought a log cabin-style house situated on a large plot of land on 3rd Street where Jean focused on being a mom to her six children. At this house they developed a large garden, where everyone worked together, as a family, to harvest a variety of vegetables. Jean canned uncountable batches to sustain the family throughout the year. Jean’s homemade raspberry, strawberry and huckleberry jams, along with her various types of pickles were the family favorites. Hunting for and picking wild huckleberries in the surrounding mountains was a cherished family activity which yielded a rich reward of delicious pies and cobblers.

Jean's love for the outdoors led her to create a mini-forest garden at their home in which she added a cement deer for authenticity. Jean also had a natural green thumb and grew extraordinary roses which she planted across the driveway from her forest garden.

One year after loading all the gear for a family vacation in the car they discovered there was no more room for people so they built a swimming pool in the backyard. They were the envy of the neighborhood. Then after that summers were devoted to pool parties and BBQs. The family spent winters snowmobiling and summers camping at nearby lakes; Lake Alva was a particular family favorite. When Jean’s younger sister Ruth came to visit, their families gathered for a picnic in the backyard or at one of the family’s favorite lakes.

Jean was an avid puzzler, and loved to play card games at family get togethers. She enjoyed playing bridge, and she and Fred were on a bowling team.

Jean immensely enjoyed drives to the Cedars along the way to the Lochsa Lodge into Idaho. In later years, Jean and Ruth took many road trips together. A highlight of one trip was wearing matching hats and boots.

After the children had grown, Jean and Fred escaped the cold Montana winters as snow birds to spend winters in Arizona. They bought a place near the dam below Parker, AZ and made many close friends with whom they loved to play Mexican Train dominoes, and assemble endless puzzles. Jean and Fred always liked to explore new places, and especially loved antique shops. They also enjoyed adventures to Texas to visit Jeff and his family.

Jean was preceded in death by her first husband, Norman Herrington; and her second husband, Fred Berglund; her two sons Brian and Randy Berglund; and her older brothers Norman and Philip Hayden.

Survivors include Jean’s sister, Ruth, and her husband Mel Steffenson of Eugene, Oregon. Jean’s children: Debbie Norheim and husband Monty of Missoula; Glenn Berglund and husband Terry Cyr of Missoula; Jeff Berglund and wife Suzy of Midland, Texas; Karen Robertson and husband Dale of Missoula. Jean had five grandchildren: Joie Monaco and husband Mark; Steve Norheim; Ryan Robertson; Amy Robertson; and Colton Berglund. And she had two great-grandchildren: Giana Monaco and Gabriella Monaco; along with several nieces and nephews.

Service will be held on Thursday January 21, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Garden City Funeral Home. A burial service will follow the service at the Missoula Cemetery. Physical attendance at the funeral home is limited to 25 people, but there is no attendance limitation at the burial service. The service will be streamed live at www.gardencityfh.com and recorded for those unable to attend. Pallbearers are Glenn Berglund, Jeff Berglund, Terry Cyr, Dale Robertson, Ryan Robertson and Amy Robertson.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff at The Springs At Missoula Memory Care for their excellent care over the years and are especially thankful for the kindness you showed in her last few days. And a special thanks to the hospice care provided by Partners in Home Care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula.