Ida “Eda” L. Bergh, 94, passed away Thursday, June 21, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea.

Ida was born to Ferdinand and Marie Jordens Caremans in Hoboken, Belgium, May 20, 1918. Near the end of World War II, after surviving Nazi occupation of Belgium, she met and married Paul Bergh on Dec. 22, 1945, in Hoboken and came to Albert Lea in May 1946.

She went to work for the Skinner Chamberlain Department Store, where she became the buyer for the china and gift department. She loved traveling to the Chicago Merchandise Mart twice a year to do the purchasing. Over her varied career, Ida also worked as a cook for School District 241 and as a decorating consultant at Albert Lea Paint & Glass.

She and her husband Paul were charter members of Grace Lutheran Church where Ida was the Sunday school secretary for 10 years and remained active in circle there for years. She was also a lifetime member of the DAV.

Ida was a gracious hostess to all who came to her home. She was known for her endless generosity, her true delight in people, her style and her love of dancing and music. She enjoyed being with family and friends, traveling and playing cards. She was matchless in her ability to produce copious amounts of Belgian chocolate and cookies at a moment’s notice.

Despite years of blindness, she had an indomitable spirit and continued to learn, grow and be interested in the people and the world around her. She was a warm and wonderful woman who touched countless lives and will be lovingly remembered by many.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Paulette Bergh and grandchildren Emilia Henrichs and Samuel Henrichs of Bellingham, Wash., and many special friends.

Ida was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul Bergh, her parents, her sisters Rachel Huber Jordens and Nini Jordens, and her brother, Emile Jordens.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the chapel at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, with the Rev. Andrea Myers officiating. Friends are invited to come one hour prior to the service to meet with the family. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea.