Ellen Maree Berger, 92, the beloved matriarch of her family, died November 1st at her home in Port Charlotte, with family by her side. Ellen was born in Clinton, Illinois, on May, 26, 1923. Ellen was the daughter of E. Niles and Clara (Coates) Bethel. She married Joseph W. Berger in Clinton on June 17, 1945. Together they raised their two children, Gary and Susan, in Charleston, Illinois. They remained happily married for fifty-six years until Joe’s death in 2001.
Ellen was a dedicated mother and volunteer for the Charleston community. She enjoyed volunteering at the Cancer Center at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. She retired in 1988 after serving 19 years as the library secretary at Jefferson Elementary School. After retirement, Ellen and Joe spent winters in Port Charlotte where they built a home in 1998. She was active with Pilgrim United Church of Christ and also enjoyed volunteering at the Cultural Center.
Despite losing her right arm to a hit-and-run driver in 1994 at the age of 70, Ellen continued to derive great pleasure creating needle-work projects. Ellen was a wonderful inspiration to many people; her great patience helped her solve many challenges. She loved bright colors and was a very independent and non-judgmental person. Ellen and Joe had many adventures as they traveled the world together. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge and dominoes, solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles, walking, listening and visiting.
She was preceded in death by Joe and her twin sister, Helen. Surviving are her children, Dr. Gary (Ann) Berger of Placida and Susan (Stephen) Lafferty of Freeport, IL; five grandchildren, Chris (Molly) Berger of Minneapolis, John (Courtney) Berger of San Antonio, TX, Daniel (Jaclyn) Berger of Boynton Beach, Megan Lafferty of Chicago and Bennett (Katie) Lafferty of San Francisco; and two great-grandchildren, Quinn and Caroline Berger of Minneapolis. Our highest praise and thanks goes out to Ellen’s Charlotte County Comfort Keepers who assisted her for over 5 years and also to her Tidewell Hospice staff. Cremation rites were accorded by Roberson Funeral Home in Port Charlotte. A service celebrating her life will be held at Pilgrim United Church of Christ on Saturday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m. with a meal following the service. Condolences may be sent to her daughter, Susan Lafferty, 1514 W. Stover Street, Freeport, IL. A memorial has been established in her name for Pilgrim Church of Christ. Friends may visit at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.