Submitted by: Dan Rich

Brynn M. Bergin

Aug. 3, 1984 - Aug. 7, 2004

South Bend Tribune 8/9/2004

Brynn Bergin, 20, of Mishawaka, Ind., died Saturday, Aug. 7, in a car accident. She was born Aug. 3, 1984, to Cari and Michael Bergin in Mishawaka. She is survived by her brothers, Tyler of Mishawaka, and Kyle and Christian, both at home. Also surviving are her maternal grandmother, Nancy Flint (Robert) Shambaugh of Rome City, Ind.; maternal grandfather, Carl (Becky) Flint of Albion, Ind.; paternal grandfather, Paul Bergin of Crystal River, Fla.; and paternal grandmother, M. Patricia Bergin of Ocala, Fla.

Brynn was the most beautiful person anyone could have met, inside and out. She was a loving daughter and sister. Brynn graduated from Mishawaka High School with the class of 2003. She was a cheerleader, ran cross country, was chosen homecoming queen her senior year, and was a member of the National Honor Society. After high school she attended Indiana University, Bloomington, where she planned to study medicine. She joined the Alpha Phi sorority as a freshman and was involved in many campus activities. Her optimism and kindness toward others made her the beautiful person she was.

Growing up with three brothers, she was as tomboyish as she was feminine. In her home, she could only be described as "the Queen". She loved her brothers dearly and made special time for each of them. She loved her family, having had the opportunity to meet many distant relatives recently. Brynn had a natural bond with all animals: ducks, bunnies, chameleons, dogs, frogs, etc. (with the exception of sharks!). She would connect with them all. She especially loved her cat, "Scully". Brynn cared for others in need and wanted to help those less fortunate. Brynn was constantly busy with school, work, and most importantly, friends and family. Her feet never seemed to touch the ground. Brynn touched so many lives. She put more living in her short 20 years than most do in a full lifetime. She loved the beach, shopping, dancing, eating ice cream, and talking endlessly on the phone. A shorter list would be what she didn't enjoy doing!

Brynn's personal traits are what made her the person that she is. She was competitive and compassionate. She was stubborn to a fault, yet that drive was also her greatest asset. As she matured from the beautiful young girl into the lovely young woman she was becoming, that drive and stubbornness were proving to be a strength that couldn't be taught or learned. Any of her friends or family could tell you a number of Brynn stories whether it was losing a duckling in the house or immediately combing her hair after a hockey game. She acted as a nurturing mother to every living thing around her whether it was children or animals. Brynn was dearly loved and will be missed by all.

Friends may call Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home. Funeral services will also be held at the Hahn Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society or Women's Care Center.