Joanne Berger

Joanne Straus Berger, died August 19, 2016 after almost 95 years. She was born in New York City on August 29, 1921 to Amy R. Straus and Joseph K. Straus. Joanne grew up in Jamaica, New York and went to Jamaica High School. From there she attended Queens College, graduating in 1943 and later on, to Columbia School of Social Work for her MSW. She met her husband, Alvin Berger at a USO dance in New York City and they proceeded to get married October 23, 1943 before he was deployed overseas in the Navy. Al and Joanne had three children, Steven, Karen and Richard. Once the kids were all settled in school, Joanne went back to her passion of helping others in need. She began working as a social worker and never stopped. Once she retired from the Industrial Home for the Blind in Mineola, New York after 35 years of service she continued with volunteer work in her field into her 90's.

Joanne and Al loved to travel. They went all over the world beginning in the US and the Caribbean, then on to Central America, Europe, Asia and anywhere that they could go. At age 93, Joanne insisted on renewing her passport. In addition, she was an avid bridge player, golfer, sports devotee and patron of the arts. She enthusiastically attended any art museum, symphony, historical or cultural event, baseball game or golf tournament. Joanne adored spending time with her family. Any family event, no matter how far away went to the top of her list. Sports, recitals, birthdays, graduations, weddings, baby showers and any opportunity to get together was primary for her. Joanne moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where, at the age of 84, Joanne began a new chapter; although she continued to travel with and visit her friends in New York. She was very adventuresome joining the Senior Center, Newcomers club, golf league, bridge groups and volunteering at Ensight and the Lincoln Center.

The family always called her the "Energizer Bunny" because she would keep going and going and going. Joanne was truly admired by all for her generous, giving and positive lifestyle. She was inspirational when it came to accepting new members into the family, no matter what the circumstances. She was a snowbird for many years, spending winters in Delray Beach, Florida.
Joanne was proceeded in death by her husband, Alvin; son, Steven and sister, Peggy Straus Heilbrunn.

She is survived by her sister, Paula Straus Oppenheimer of Baltimore, Maryland and her children, Karen Warren and Lon Miller of Fort Collins, Richard and Kathy Berger of Lebanon, New Hampshire, Barbara Berger and Alan Weiner of Boyton Beach, Florida; grandchildren, Bill Berger and Amanda Fisher, Ken and Annabelle Berger, Jill and Tim Servant, Frank and Alix Sanford, Aaron and Berger, Jared and Angie Warren, Brooke and Travis Woodruff; nine great-grandchildren, one great, great grand-child and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Joanne's burial took place in New York with her family. An open house celebration on her life will be held in Fort Collins on Sunday, September 18th at The Lodge at Mackenzie Place, between 1-4 pm.

We want to thank all of those her supported Joanne in the past few years, especially her caregiver Rose Greenwood. Donations can be made to Pathways Hospice or Project Self Sufficiency in Colorado or the United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County, New York.