Name: Viewing for Deborah Berger
Start: 2017-04-10T02:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-04-10T04:00:00.000Z
Location: Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions- Rice Center

Deborah Duke Berger

Deborah Duke Berger passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on Sunday, April 2, 2017. She was born March 12, 1954 in Ardmore, Oklahoma as the first born to Alvin and Marion Duke. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma, Norman in 1976 with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. Following a lifelong dream, she and her then boyfriend moved to Vail, Colorado for the ski season 1976-1977, and continued on to California in April 1977. She was always attracted to the ocean and sunny climate. She was nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital in downtown Los Angeles when she met her husband to be, Dr. Jeffrey Berger. Jeff had just opened his orthodontic practice. They were married in 1983. In 1985, she left her nursing profession to work with her husband in the practice, first as Treatment Coordinator, later as Office Manager. Together they had two beautiful children, Robert (28) and Lauren (25). Robert graduated from USC's Dental School in May 2016 and will be starting an Orthodontic Fellowship in Florida in July. Lauren is a Recruiter for Robert Half (a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo). Deborah felt that having children was one of the greatest blessings of her life. She was very involved with her children, volunteering at their schools and attending sporting events and philanthropy events with them. Robert was a member of Los Hermanos. Deborah and Lauren were members of NCL/Ticktockers. She was a kind and loving mother, wife and friend. She loved animals, always having dogs and cats as part of their family life. She liked taking long walks along the hills of Palos Verdes with their dog Hurley. She was a vivacious reader, played marine league tennis and still worked part time with her husband. Sadly, Deborah and Jeff separated in 2011, becoming formally divorced in 2014. She went on to meet her current companion, Steven Glass, in June 2011. They enjoyed hiking, the arts and traveling the world. In January 2014, Deborah was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. She fought valiantly, availing herself of both Western medicine and alternative therapies. She used surgery, chemo, radiation and chemical trials to extend her life. She had a deep faith and spiritual life that allowed her to be present and accepting. She was able to enjoy all her days up to the last minute. She had great sadness for those she was leaving behind, particularly her children – she was sad that she would not see them be married and would not hold her grandbabies. She is survived by two brothers, Alvin Duke and Lance Duke, and their beautiful children, her ex-husband Jeffrey Berger, her two children Robert and Lauren, and her companion Steven Glass. Her viewing will be held on Sunday, April 9, 2017 from 7:00PM-9:00PM at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance 90503 and her memorial service will be held on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 1:00PM at Neighborhood Church, 415 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes 90274. In lieu of flowers, Deborah requested donations be sent to The House of Hope, a treatment center for alcoholism, 235 W. 9th St., San Pedro CA 90731. Visit www.lafuneral.com to send the family messages and share memories. Sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com.

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Published by Daily Breeze on Apr. 7, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Berger

Sponsored by Daily Breeze.

7 Entries

Robin Baskin

April 1, 2020

4/2/2020 Hey Debbie still think of you and miss you. Steve, if you read this I want you to know that any time you come to Asheville, my Steve and I would be honored if you gave us a call. It's too bad you and Debbie weren't able to make that trip out here that we had talked about. You were so good to my Debbie!

If Lauren and Rob read this, I hope you are both living lives you love. That is what your mother would want for you. Blessings, Robin

Robin Baskin

November 18, 2017

Now I know. I had many prayers for Debbie to continue living, but she is now a sweet spirit friend. We last saw each other about a year ago. She was so strong and her eyes twinkled with life and energy.

The 4 of us (her Steve, my Steve, me and Debbie) took a long walk along the beach and I had a hard time keeping up with her. We first met in 1984 during our critical care nursing course. We didn't see each other often after I moved to Asheville in 1994, but whenever we got together, we picked up the bound right from where we left off.

Debbie really loved life. She had a deep spiritual sense and knew we are all transitory beings. She had so much gratitude for all her blessings. I am so grateful that she and I were friends.

I know this must be especially hard for Robbie, Lauren and Steve and my heart aches for you, but you all got the very best of her love, such a great gift!

I'm going to miss looking into Debbie's twinkling, blue eyes, so gorgeous, but I will relish the memories and may even chuckle to myself when I recall some of her funniest throw-away lines.

Love ya, Deb,
Robin

April 10, 2017

Dear Lauren Robbie, Jeff and Steve,

It is hard to understand God's reason for taking Debbie from us. I personally feel she was sent to show the rest of us how to leave this world with grace, dignity and strength. That is how she did everything in her life. I will miss her wonderful sense of humor and her spunk. She was lucky to have such a caring, devoted family.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Liz Cotton

April 9, 2017

Dear Lauren! and Rob,

Our hearts go out to you both. What a great loss. Although Fred & I have not seen you in the last few years, we carry lovely memories of all of you. We did family activities with you and your family and The Feldmans and the Oren's as you were growing up. Debbie also shared my passion for mosaic art for a time and took classes from me for a few years. Your mom was so talented! She was sweet and kind and smart.
We will cherish these memories always.

I hope you take comfort in knowing how proud your mom was of both of you.! We are so very sad to be missing her memorial service on Monday as we are visiting grandkids at this time out of state.

With love, Sari &Fred Freedman

April 9, 2017

So very sad to hear of the tragic loss. She will be missed. Dr David and Michele berstein

Sheila O'Neill-O'Connor

April 8, 2017

Dearest Family of beloved Debbie,
My own heart hurts at the loss of Deb, so I can only imagine what you are experiencing. She spoiled all of us in the 63 yrs. that she was with us; spoiled us with her hope, faith, spirituality, energy, humor, ideas, adventure, and so on. Most of all, Deb shared with us her light and love for the time she had with us. Robbie, your mom lit up more than usual when she spoke of you. She was so proud of you not just for your schooling efforts, or your choice of career, but for what you carried inside of you; a heart unafraid to love. Lauren, you were a daughter, a confidante, a friend in whom she placed her trust, her heart, and admiration of the woman you have become. Rest assured, if there's a heavenly way, she will be there on your wedding day, just not in the way either you or she had imagined. And Steven, I really don't know you all that well, but if the love and caring that you bestowed on my Deb was a reflection of who you are (and I believe it is), I love you down to your soul. You gave her reasons to fight beyond what she thought she could do to be here for Robbie and Lauren. They, in turn, moved her to celebrate each day, each breath, and every adventure. Gods love is shining on you all. Blessings to all of you! Jim & Sheila

With deepest sympathy ~ Isaiah 25:8

April 7, 2017

I am so very sorry for your loss. May fond memories and God's promise to wipe away the tears from all faces give you hope and comfort during this very difficult time.

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