Natalie Rose Berger's Obituary
Natalie Rose Berger passed away on December 15, 2017 in Gainesville Florida at the age of 94. Born in New York City into a family of immigrants, she always regaled us with stories of life during the depression [pioneer stories], when family and friends pulled together what little they had to share. Natalie graduated from Beth Israel School of Nursing [NYC] in 1943 and was the second to last surviving member of that graduating class. Natalie was featured in an article in the Herald Tribune in 1947 comparing the life of a nurse versus a secretary; her life was much more demanding. She was president of the Washington Heights chapter of Cancer Care, president of the Mothers of the Faculty at the University of Florida, a life member of Hadassah, a volunteer at the Haven Hospice House in Gainesville, a member of the friendship Circle at B’nai Israel synagogue and tutored foreign student in the study of the English language.
For 42 years she was the loving wife of Lester Berger who preceded her in death. Natalie is survived by her sons Jerry [Sandy] of Gainesville Florida, Robert [Ann] of Roswell Georgia, Grandchildren Kate [Nick], Heidi [Simon] and Lucy, nieces Elaine [Gary], Ronny both of whom she raised as daughters and nephew Scott. Despite years of great physical pain Natalie lived life to the fullest with great strength, toughness, stubbornness a sense of humor and empathy for others. Burial was in the family plot in New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Friendship Circle at Congregation B’nai Israel 3830 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville FL 32605 or Haven Hospice House in Gainesville. A time to reminisce and remember Natalie will take place in her birth month of February in 2018.
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