Prudence (Bergman) Squier
Born in Renton, Washington, in 1942, journeyed through life as a cherished daughter of Mae (Baker) Bergman and Clifford Bergman. The family’s relocation to Santa Barbara set the stage for Prudence’s formative years including her graduation from Santa Barbara High School. In an era marked by economic challenges, Prudence navigated her academic aspirations with resilience, beginning her collegiate journey at Mills College and concluding it at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It was during a transformative year in Madrid that she honed her fluency in Spanish, an endeavor further enriched by a summer dedicated to working with South American Indigenous communities on nutrition planning.
Upon the completion of her education, Prudence married and then embarked on a year-long residence in Somalia, a chapter that preceded the dissolution of her first marriage. The ensuing years saw her traverse the skies as an airline stewardess, a period during which she indulged her wanderlust, exploring the globe during her vacations. It was towards the twilight of this chapter that she encountered her great love, Bob Squier, marking the beginning of a new, enriching phase of her life.
They married in 1977 and they lived happily together until 2000, with the untimely death of Bob Squier due to cancer.
Together with Bob Squier, Prudence’s existence became intertwined with the political landscape of Washington, D.C., where her husband emerged as a formidable strategist and a groundbreaking television political consultant for prominent liberal Democrats, including Bill Clinton and Al Gore. Despite her avowed liberalism, Prudence, affectionately known as Prudy to her companions, fostered friendships across the political spectrum, embracing a philosophy of inclusiveness.
Her marriage also heralded a prolific period as a freelance writer, with her insights gracing the pages of Sunset Magazine and The Washington Post, particularly in the realm of house architecture. This passion for transformation was evident in her undertakings, having spearheaded the renovation of no fewer than four residences.
Among the homes that bore witness to her architectural restraint was a 1919 estate nestled within 68 acres in Millwood, Virginia, known as the “Moorings”. It was here that her fervor for animal welfare found expression through the care of two Morgan Horses and a lively ensemble of dogs, numbering up to six at any given time.
The passing of her mother prompted Prudence’s return to Santa Barbara, where she embraced her final project: the acquisition and renovation of a six-acre property that would stand as a testament to her enduring spirit of transformation.
Throughout her life, Prudence’s passions were manifold, encompassing an abiding love for travel, literature, and the conviviality of book clubs. Her zest for life was equally matched by her prowess on the tennis court, her ventures into mountain hiking, and her flair for hosting memorable gatherings.
Prudence’s philanthropic spirit was evident in her support for numerous causes, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Lotusland, Direct Relief International, and DAWG, leaving a legacy of generosity and compassion.
Her departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, deeply felt by her two stepsons, Mac and Mark Squier. Her last companion, Steven Sparklin, remembers the echoes of her laughter, the warmth of her presence, and the indelible mark of her love that remains. Friends, family, and loved ones navigate the absence left by her passing with a blend of gratitude for the moments shared and a profound sense of longing for the countless conversations and adventures that will remain forever cherished in memory. Prudence (Bergman) Squier’s remarkable journey through life, marked by adventure, love, and a commitment to making the world a more beautiful place, will be cherished in memory by all who were fortunate enough to cross her path.