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Patricia Berger Obituary
PATRICIA WILSON BERGER (Age 84)
Wife of George H. C. Berger, died at the Inova Alexandria Hospital on March 27, 2011 from complications following a fall. She graduated from Western High School and earned her BS degree at the George Washington University and her MLS at The Catholic University of America. As a Special and Administrative Librarian, Pat held management positions at the Institute of Defense Analyses, the US Patent and Trademark Office, The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Bureau of Standards/National Institute of Standards and Technology. She was the President of the American Library Association, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the National Information Standards Organization and of the Special Libraries Association. She was a member of Chi Omega and the Cosmos Club. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation, designated for the Cancer Center, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria VA, 22304. A funeral service and inurnment will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Berger
Blanche Woolls
March 26, 2023
Remembering Pat happens more than one time a year, but it good that you give us an opportunity to share our memories with you, George. ALA members need to be reminded of the strength of the giants that they have the opportunity to leap up on the shoulders of and carry the banner she passed on to them.
Remembering Pat inspires me to try to continue her legacy by encouraging others help move the profession forward during these trying times.
Blanche Woolls
GraceAnne DeCandido
April 13, 2011
Dear George,
She was one of my heroes, one of my mentors and role models, one of the very best: leader, feminist, charmer, speaker.
Sending you much love and a big bear hug.
April 8, 2011
Dear George: Sal and I were so sorry to read of Pat's passing. I so remember seeing the two of you dancing at her inaugural. We know she is adding her expertise to the heavenly hosts. We send you our prayers and condolence. Mary Rae and Sal Costabile
Phyllis Flippin
April 8, 2011
Dear George,
Richard and I are so saddened to hear about the passing of Pat. She was a remarkable lady with a generous heart, and a wonderful listener. We lived vicariously through each of your story telling of your interesting life and careers. Richard and I will remember our dinners together in Baltimore with fondness.
May you find peace in your memories of Pat and the love of your family. Richard and Phyllis Flippin
Blanche Woolls
April 7, 2011
Dear George,
Pat is one of those wonderful persons who you remember at odd moments when something happens and you recall how she would handle the situation.
She sat in Council at the next row in front of Gil McNamee, George Bailey and me, and we three often wrote "poetry" one line at a time passing it back and forth. She thought that was as good as any other way to handle the "quiet" moments there.
When she ran for President, she did that in true political fashion. She decided what it would take to get elected and that's what she did. She was indeed a remarkable professional and a role model for all.
Blanche Woolls
Bob Klassen
April 7, 2011
Dear George,
I found her to be distinguished member of our profession who did not have a lot of pretenses. I particularly remember her enthusiasm for the Redskins when they went to the Super Bowl and we met to watch the victory in the Texas hotel room! She made a great contribution to our profession.
April 6, 2011
Dear George,
I will always remember Pat as an outstanding ALA President, but also as an exceptional individual. She had an acerbic wit and an uncommon candor that is truly rare. I valued her advice and counsel on understanding the federal library community and its parent government. My deepest condolences go to you and the family
Robert Wedgeworth
jay Johnston
April 6, 2011
Smooth Sailing Pat...
Molly Raphael
April 5, 2011
I was just thinking about Pat recently and her time as ALA president. Two memories that capture her sense of humor and some of the things she loved. I think she was the first ALA president to enter to special music. She chose "Hail to the Redskins" in honor of her love for the team--and all the DC people at the inaugural banquet--including me--got up and started singing. Second, I quote her often theses days: she said that the three most beautiful words in the English language were "immediate past president". She will be missed and long remembered. Condolences to you, George, and all of her family and friends. She was a special lady and a role model for many people like me.
Fred Stielow
April 5, 2011
Deep regards. Met Pat while I was teaching at Catholic and talking about this strange new game changer--The WorldWide Web. She understood. The thanks was a challenge. She stuck me on IFC with a note to help push-start ALA's Intellectual Freedom Committee along the Information Highway.
Gail Schlachter
April 5, 2011
Pat was an exceptional person. I admired the success she had in her career, her professional activities, and her personal life. She will be greatly missed.
joseph gunde
April 4, 2011
George, Myriam sent this to us last week but I just got around to my email today. Peggy and I are very sorry for your loss. We loved her very much. We shared many memories sitting with both of you at the games. It seems like yesterday we were holding hands when yet another field goal or extra point was kicked. Every time the kicker walks on the field I think of her. Pat may be gone, but nothing will erase the loving memories we have of Pat. SIncerely, Joe and Peggy Gunde
Dan Clarke
April 4, 2011
George
I am so sorry to learn about the loss of Pat. Brent and Brianna speak fondly of you from time to time. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Brent, Brianna and Dan
David Killick
April 3, 2011
Dear George and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. It was an honor and a privilege to know Patricia. We will remember and treasure her intelligence, warmth, generosity, dedication, and sense of humor.
With deepest condolences from New Zealand,
David and Alexandra
Rich Raiford
April 3, 2011
George,
Karen, Rachel and I send our sincere condolences. Both you and Pat will be in our thoughts and prayers.
April 2, 2011
George, I am very sorry for your loss. I always will remember Pat as someone who always stuck up for her staff and honored me when I left NIST prematurely with a wonderful trip to the Cosmos Club.
Take care.
Diane Cunningham
April 2, 2011
My condolences to George and all the family of Patricia Berger in your time of grief.
Bill Raiford, Thomasville, GA
Kristina Dugan
April 2, 2011
George,
I am so terribly sorry to hear of your loss. I always admired Pat for her straight-shooterness, her sharp wit, her generosity, her intelligence, her warmth and her friendship. She will always be in my heart as are you.
Pat was and is a remarkable woman!! I look forward to celebrating her life with you at her service.
Much love to you and yours,
Kristina
P.S. I now live in Alexandria...if you need anything (meals, errands, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on or just plain company, please let me know if I can do anything for you).
Tink Wood
April 2, 2011
Uncle George: What a lady. She will be missed. My heart and prayers are with you and may the love of family and friends comfort you. God Bless and I will see you soon. Love always, Tink
Brian Harmer
April 2, 2011
Aue! Aue! Ka hinga te totara i te wao nui a Taane.
Now is a mighty tree fallen in the great forest of Tane!
Dear George I cannot begin to comprehend the magnitude of your loss and grief, and I can only hope and pray that you may find solace in so many happy memories. Our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Scottie Cochrane
April 1, 2011
Dear George,
Louis and I are horribly sad to learn about Pat and your incalculable loss. I think of all my dear friends who were smart, courageous, tough women, and incidentally librarians. Christie, Caroline, Ann Eastman...now Pat joins them. "For the death of my comrades I am inconsolable" (John Barth-"Night-Sea Journey" in _Lost in the Funhouse_). We will attend the service if we possibly can and definitely see you soon.
with love and sorrow, Scottie & Louis
Warren Stumpe
April 1, 2011
George: Lois and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. God Bless you all.
April 1, 2011
Pat-will surely miss you
Scott Adler
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