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Doris Berkstresser Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Doris Berkstresser
Karen M.
February 11, 2008
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Ms. Berkstresser. I was a patient of hers when I was in my 20's. (I am now 50ish). She saved me in more ways that you will ever know. I had seen her at the muzzy st lexington office. I tell people about her all the time and thought of her often. My deepest sympathy for your loss. She was a great person.
Yeah, my mom picked up on something stupid I said!
December 4, 2007
Another birthday cookout
December 4, 2007
December 4, 2007
December 4, 2007
December 4, 2007
December 4, 2007
December 4, 2007
December 4, 2007
December 4, 2007
December 4, 2007
Polly Erickson
December 2, 2007
Dear Al, Peter, James, and Lilla,
I’m one of Doris’s many best friends to whom she gave a gift of feeling special. Her death makes a lousy hole in my life; fortunately, Bob and I see Al and we laugh, cry, and reminisce together.
Doris’s life, however, was a celebration; she made an effort and succeeded in having a good, honest, real, and fun life. I especially cherish the times we’d go for a walk agreeing to meet at the corner mid-way, approaching each other with the ritual of hands frantically waving overhead in exaggerated welcome, and feeling like kids let out for recess. Then we’d gab for the hour walk solving the world’s problems until we returned to the corner – not a moment of silence passed. She had many interests and friends and loved to share both. Bob and I used to “double date” with her and Al, going to Gourmet Group, concerts, dinners, picnics, fire works, and exchanging dinners on our decks. She thought contra dancing was good for us all, dragged us there, danced every dance while Bob and I sat panting until she’d get us up to whorl and twirl again. Whenever she’d mention the word “dance” we’d start groaning.
She was a fellow political radical, a pro bono psychologist, someone to hash out questions with and get viewpoints you didn’t consider, someone to chuckle, belly-laugh, and sometimes cry with, and one with whom you could have a difficulty that she’d immediately tackle, solve, accept an apology or give hers, and poof the issue was gone never to resurface. She was a focused listener, classy, a lover of life, intelligent, funny, witty. She liked wearing hats and I don’t know another person who had so many hats that were worn so attractively. With hats, clothes, and possessions she’d generously give away what she couldn’t use and graciously accept ours. We all benefited from her many health journal subscriptions that she’d pass first to Al, then anyone else who was expected to pass it on. Doris was a unique and remarkable woman. Now when I pass her house I say - thank you, good friend, for everything, but dammit why’d you have to die, why’d you have to go?
Summer 2006
November 6, 2007
Bill Beebe
November 2, 2007
She was a needed friend when I needed a room to rent in Lexington. So sorry to hear of her loss.
Jerry Howard
October 31, 2007
Peter, James/Lilla, and Douglas/Andrea,
Thanks so much for allowing me to pay my respects to Doris. She truly showed all the signs of a loving, compassionate mother. She loved you all. Now that doesn't mean she agreed with everything you did. But she gets style points for forgiveness.
I have only known her for about 15 months, but it is clear that she was (as I descibed her to Lilla) a fireball. Her energy, knowledge, and charisma afforded her the drive to tackle, to question, and to accomplish those things that mattered most to her. At the same time she seemed to enjoy life. She seemed to always have a smile and a kind word. I gotta tell you, I admired her for these fine personal attributes.
I know you all will miss her dearly, and so will I. May she rest in peace with the assurance that we will never forget her.
Karen Dempsey (Harnett)
October 31, 2007
James,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I was just told late on Tues. the 29th and was not able to make arrangements to come and pay my respects. I truly wish I could have. I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Some of my favorite childhood memories from Alderwood Road were of your home and your family, your mom was always so special and kind to all us kids. As you know we were quite a hand full. God Bless you and your family.
Deb Toomey
October 30, 2007
We will truly miss Doris as she was very much an intricate part of our family. A remarkable woman,with a brillant smile, who loved life and her family and friends.
We should all take a lesson on how to live life to the fullest from her!
love,
Debby & Jimmy
Linda Lacey
October 30, 2007
Dear Lilla and James after reading the quest book of all the wonderful accolades of James's mom We were so sorry to hear about your loss, please accept our deepest sympathy,we love you, Linda & Mike and all the Flammini Girls
Gail Alford
October 30, 2007
My sincere sympathy to all. Your mother was a wonderful person and a long-time member of First Parish Church in Waltham - she will be missed by many.
MARIE BONGIORNO
October 30, 2007
LILLA AND JAMES
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DORIS.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH
YOU BOTH.
BOB AND MARIE BONGIORNO
Ivone Valencia
October 30, 2007
You must have so many stories and memories of life with your mom. I hope each time you think of them, they bring you a smile.
With symphathy,
Marianna Murphy
October 30, 2007
James and Lilla
My thoughts and prayers are with you. James your mother was a true gift and a gentle soul. I love you both
Marianna, Bobby, Colin and Max
Holly and Marc Polito
October 30, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Doris was a wonderful woman, she will be missed.
Sandra Donovan
October 30, 2007
Lilla & James,
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Love,
Sandra
Eileen G. Hingorani
October 30, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Eileen G. Hingorani
October 30, 2007
My dears,Al,Doug,Peter and James,As you know I have been lucKy enough to have had the opportunity of knowing her and having her as my best friend for over 40 years. She was a very kind,thoughtful,generous,funny and wonderful woman.No one could ask for a better friend.I shall always keep her in my memory and she will be truly missed by all who loved her. With deepest sympathy from my family to all of you.Words can not express our sadness at this time.With love to all, Eileen,Sheila,Neila,Mike,Sam and Spencer
Joanne Pettengill
October 30, 2007
To
Al, Doug, Peter, James, Diane, and David;
Our family, like you, feels the loss of dear Doris tremendously, and we pray that you will be able to take solace in the fact that she was loved by many. She was a good friend always.
Love from,
Joanne and Doug;
Joni, David, Donna, Jim, and Joe
Barbara Owens
October 29, 2007
Dear Peter, Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your mother. We are happy we had an opportunity to share so many holidays with her. God Bless you and your family. Love Nana & Papa
Owens Jr. Cornelius
October 29, 2007
Peter, i am truly sorry to hear about your loss. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, thou love leaves a memory no one can steal. God Bless.
October 29, 2007
Lilla,James and all your family-
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We wil fondly remember Doris as part of Marc and Holly's wedding this summer.
With our deepest sympathy,
JoAnne and Rick Amirault
Mary Jo Bohart
October 29, 2007
Doris was a friend and colleague of the Lexington business community. She was a regular participant in our monthly Women-In-Business group, and she did a memorable presentation to that group in September. We will miss her, and the Lexington Chamber of Commerce expresses sincere condolences to the family at your loss.
Kristin O'Connell
October 29, 2007
Lilla and James I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is and my prayers are with you. I hope you know that if you ever need anything, I am a phone call away.
Love kristin
Susan Pullino
October 29, 2007
Peter,
All our prayers are with you and your family
Irene Tyler-Johnson
October 29, 2007
My deepest sympathies. She was a wonderful, generous woman.
Susan Morse
October 29, 2007
Lilla and James
I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Pamela Cetina
October 29, 2007
Al, Doug, Peter, and James. You are in my prayers. My children and I loved Doris very much and she will be truly missed.
Pamela, Danny, Joseph and Joshua
October 29, 2007
You have our deepest condolences. Doris was a joy to be around and her laugh was infectious. She will be missed by so many, including us.
Jean, Bill & Will
John and Tawnya Sweeney
October 29, 2007
Lilla and James,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. God Bless! All our love,
Nona Buley
October 29, 2007
Lilla, my thoughts and prayers are with you and James
Brent Nagele
October 29, 2007
My deepest sympathies to you and your family Lilla.
Amy Lencki
October 29, 2007
James and Lilla,
I am so very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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