Claremont resident Joan Naftel Bergman died at her home on Thursday, May 28, 2009. She was 84.

Mrs. Bergman was born in Los Angeles County on December 21, 1924. Her parents, Dorothy and David Neil Naftel, Sr., were both early Claremont residents and pioneer citrus growers in Claremont.

After graduating from Girls Collegiate in Claremont, Mrs. Bergman went on to Tucson University where she met and married William George Bergman, Jr. in 1946.

“Joan was a kind and generous soul, well admired in the community and loved by her family, always there for others,” her family commented.

Mrs. Bergman is survived by 2 children, Bill Bergman and Mary Ellen Peterson, and their families; the 3 sons of her deceased daughter, Patti: Robert Crowe, Bill Crowe and Drew Scarboro; and by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Mrs. Bergman’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N. Mountain Ave.

Memorial contributions may be made to Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont, CA 91711; or to Parents Helping Parents, Inc., 1400 Parkmoor Ave., #100, San Jose, CA 95126. Parents Helping Parents serves families of children with disabilities and special needs.