Obituary of Ruth Jane Bergquist

Ruth J. Bergquist Teacher, CIA employee, Library Page Ruth J. Bergquist, age 78, a former elementary school teacher, CIA employee and library page died of cancer on Christmas morning at her home in Great Falls. Ms. Bergquist, the daughter of Polish immigrants John and Stephanie (Zawacki) Cagara, was born and raised in Erie. PA. She received her undergraduate degree from Edinboro State University, and a masters degree from Boston University.After graduation from Boston University, Ms. Bergquist taught elementary school in Erie, PA and Lexington, MA. After moving to the D.C. area, she remained at home to raise her children. In 1982 Ms. Bergquist joined the CIA where she worked until 1999. She joined the Great Falls Library as a page in 2000, where she worked until her retirement in 2009. Her husband, John C. Bergquist, died in 1991. Survivors include her children, John Bergquist (Wendy) of Salt Lake City, UT and Arne Bergquist of New Market, MD, a sister Evelyn Schonthaler, two nephews, Gary Schonthaler and Alan Cagara, a niece Andrea Wienczkowski, a sister in law Antoinette (Mickey) Cagara, all of Erie, two brothers in law, Arnold Bergquist of Erie, and Nils Bergquist of Horseheads, NY, and many good friends and neighbors. In addition to her husband, Ms. Bergquist was predeceased by brother, Walter Cagara, sister, Helen Cagara, brother in law Kalman Schonthaler, nephew Jay Schonthaler and a niece, Kathy (Cagara) Smith. A 40 year resident of Great Falls, Ruth was a popular member of that community and was known as an avid Redskins and Capitals fan. She was a devoted mother, loyal friend, respected colleague, and will be deeply missed. Funeral arrangements pending, with burial at Arlington National Cemetery.