Ann Haggerty Obituary

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Ann Bergan Haggerty (1/7/39-10/15/25) passed away after a long illness surrounded by her family and friends. Ann was the daughter of the late, Walter Bergan and Esther (Williams) Bergan. She was raised in a blended family. Ann and her brother Tommy, were raised with their beloved half siblings Michael, Tim, Patty and Kathleen.

To understand Ann Haggerty you have to understand the strong women who raised her. Her mother Esther had wild dreams and a glamorous view of the world. Her step mother Polly was full of patience, endurance, and endless kindness. During Ann’s life she danced between these two influences. These two very different, very strong women, had a profound influence on Ann. Ann had a lifelong love of reading. As a child, Ann’s favorite books were the Oz books. She understood Dorothy’s dilemma of wanting to live in two worlds. Ann spent many years in California where she fell in love with the theater and an avant garde lifestyle. She also spent years in Auburn NY surrounded by a strong family where she was an important role model, sister and daughter.

During her high school years, Ann earned a scholarship to St. Joseph’s College of Nursing and she went on to earn her RN. Ann’s life tapestry included a 64 year loving and complex marriage to Dick Haggerty. This partnership introduced Ann to international travel and a love of entertaining. During their marriage Ann became an accomplished seamstress and mastered the art of needlepoint. Ann’s home was always open and inviting. Polly had taught her that there was always room at the table and Esther taught her that all were welcome. Ann earned her master’s degree in Classics from Manhattanville College. She continued her love of learning after moving to Saratoga Springs, where she audited courses at Skidmore College.

Ann and Dick spent their final years doing what they loved to do, entertaining their friends in their home. However, this was when they lost their beloved daughter E.B. to cancer. A loss that both Ann and Dick carried with them for the remainder of their years. Throughout her life you could often find Ann with her nose in a book, her eyes shifted downward and her ears catching every word around her. Her mind in both worlds. Ann walked to her eternal rest at her own pace and simple words came to mind as she did, “Enjoy Oz my friend, Kansas just won't be the same without you.”

Ann is survived by her son, David, Daughter-in-law Katy, grandchildren Frank, Christopher, and Lillian, sisters, Patty and Kathleen, and brother Tim. And her litany of friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral home service at 1:30pm on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

To honor Ann donations are suggested to the ACLU and Community Hospice.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com