Elizabeth K. Berman, cherished mother of Nancy (Steve) Swartz and Karen (Bob) Mahaffie; proud grandmother of Matilda (Matt) Schieren, James Mahaffie, Andrew Mahaffie and adoring great-grandmother, "GG" to Cy Schieren and Lena Schieren, passed away from a reoccurrence of cancer on December 16, 2025.
Liz was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana before moving to the Chicago area. She became a triple graduate of Northwestern, earning her BA in French, MA in teaching and JD at the University. She worked briefly as a teacher and then as a trust officer before becoming a legal editor for much of her career.
Liz lived a full life. She had an avid interest in genealogy - researching and compiling materials on her family history, including writing a personal memoir during the last year of her life. She was active in many civic organizations including Meals on Wheels, the League of Women Voters, the AARP IRS Tax Volunteer Program, the National Scrabble Association, and the North Shore Unitarian Church.
Liz loved travel, music, nature, and words (learning, reading, writing, editing and especially playing scrabble). She shared these passions with three successive generations of her family by supporting their education, memorable trips, and a plethora of books. She was also a closet sports fan, rejoicing in the Cubs 2016 world series win, cheering on the Chicago Bears, and following college basketball (true to her Hoosier roots).
Liz will be missed by her family and many friends for her wit, guidance, and independent spirit. A private celebration of life will be held.
Donations in Liz's memory can be made to the North American Scrabble Players Association Foundation for Youth Literacy or a charity of your choice.
Liz was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana before moving to the Chicago area. She became a triple graduate of Northwestern, earning her BA in French, MA in teaching and JD at the University. She worked briefly as a teacher and then as a trust officer before becoming a legal editor for much of her career.
Liz lived a full life. She had an avid interest in genealogy - researching and compiling materials on her family history, including writing a personal memoir during the last year of her life. She was active in many civic organizations including Meals on Wheels, the League of Women Voters, the AARP IRS Tax Volunteer Program, the National Scrabble Association, and the North Shore Unitarian Church.
Liz loved travel, music, nature, and words (learning, reading, writing, editing and especially playing scrabble). She shared these passions with three successive generations of her family by supporting their education, memorable trips, and a plethora of books. She was also a closet sports fan, rejoicing in the Cubs 2016 world series win, cheering on the Chicago Bears, and following college basketball (true to her Hoosier roots).
Liz will be missed by her family and many friends for her wit, guidance, and independent spirit. A private celebration of life will be held.
Donations in Liz's memory can be made to the North American Scrabble Players Association Foundation for Youth Literacy or a charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth Kraft Berman, please visit our flower store.
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