Ann Marie Bergquist

Ann Marie (Birch) Bergquist, age 81, of Canton passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 1, 1945 in Dover, Ann built a life full of family, faith, and work.Her early years were spent on her grandfathers homestead in Mineral City and life including both her immediate and extended family members. From the beginning she learned the importance and value of family relationships. As the years passed she built traditions of her own with her children and grandchildren to keep bonds close regardless of the distance. Many activities centered around food as she loved cooking and feeding her family whether it was a Sunday meal after church or a picnic in the park.Her faith was strong. Ann's religious teachings as a child began at the Mineral City Church of the Nazarene and were reenforced at home by the elders of the family. As she raised her own family she attended the Sandy Valley Church of God for several years. She read our daily bread and her bible daily. She would pray regularly for her family and friends. But, most importantly, she allowed God's love to shine through her which often brightened others day and created a smile. Her friends often referred to her as a "Angel".Ann's hard work ethic began with her work on the farm as there was no time to waste and always something to be done. She entered her career in the food service industry in 1967 at Crossroads Restaurant in Magnolia. A few years later, she took a position at S.S Kresge company in downtown Canton. She advanced from waitress to food service manager during her 22 years with the company. Her bright happy attitude and hard work as a constant asset for the company until they closed their doors in 1989. Afterwards, she continued to work a few years at other restaurants until she retired. She was passionate, driven and service- oriented for many years. She is survived by her daughters Amy (Michael) Hallett of Fayetteville, NC, Jacqueline Bergquist of Bolivar, and Leslie Bergquist of Canton, OH. 10 grandchildren: Natasha, Gregory and Joseph Hallett II; Nicole, Meagan (Hoffman), Michael Goe; Kierra, Jeremiah, Jasmine Hunter and Tanzia Geter, along with 16 great grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. Her brothers Francis "Butch", Birch JR. of Sandyville and David Birch of Mineral City.She was preceded in death by her father Francis M. Birch (1955) of Bolivar, NY and her mother Marie M. Birch (1995) of Mineral City. Also, her first child, a son, Timothy Arkenburgh (1964).Services will be held for Ann on October 21, 2026. The family will hold calling hours from 10am-Noon open to the general public. Her funeral will be followed by announced invitation at the end of calling hours and will closed to the general public.Finally, her daughters would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the care, love, and support provided to Ann during her final months of life by the staff at both The Hall of Fame Nursing and Rehabilitation center and by Sanctuary Hospice. Your teamwork and dedication to our mother and us in her final week was incredible!!So as we gather to honor and celebrate the woman we all cherish for so many reasons; put on your Sunday best, wear a dash of purple, her favorite color (if you desire), and join us.