Annette Berch

Annette Berch (nee Feldherr), died peacefully in her sleep in Raleigh, North Carolina on February 18, 2026, just a few weeks shy of her 98th birthday.

Born and raised in New York City, she grew up during the Great Depression and came of age during World War II – a period of time that had a profound impact on her formative years along with those of her generation. The aftermath led to a life that might be described by the casual observer as that of a typical suburban housewife.

She married Calvin Berch on Sept. 10, 1950, moved to Long Island, NY and raised three children, Steven, Lynn, and Susan. While her husband commuted by car to and from work in Manhattan for 20 years, Annette’s daily life centered around caring for her children: chauffeuring the kids to a variety of music and dance lessons while managing a busy household.

But behind this “typical housewife” was a highly intelligent woman who embraced a wide variety of interests. Atypical of most women at the time, Annette was pursuing a college degree before she got married. She loved the arts, especially opera, ballet and theater. She was an avid reader and devotee of Sunday New York Times crossword puzzles.

While raising a family, Annette also worked as an executive secretary, a bowling instructor, and studied the stock market. She had a keen awareness of history and national politics. She was an avid golfer and expert bridge player. She also enjoyed the occasional trip to Las Vegas.

Annette and Calvin moved to Houston, Texas in 1977 in pursuit of better employment opportunities as New York City was facing bankruptcy. They were members of the Westwood Country Club and lived in Houston until Calvin’s death in 1991. Shortly afterward, Annette moved to Laguna Woods Village (formerly Leisure World), a senior living community in Orange County, California, where she was able to live independently near her brother, Raymond Feldherr, and a close cousin, Carol Skydell. As her long battle with Parkinson’s Disease progressed, Annette eventually moved to an assisted living facility near her daughter Lynn in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Throughout her life, Annette was fortunate to always live near and be surrounded by family in New York, Texas, California and North Carolina. She was a remarkable woman with many talents, interests, and a devotion to her family.

Annette is survived by her children Steven Berch, Lynn van Dokkum, and Susan Burstein, along with her five grandchildren (Katie Berch, Rachel Vann, Sara Gautcher, David van Dokkum, and Max Burstein) and her five great-grandchildren (Avery Vann, Penny, Josie, &Sydney Gautcher, and Esme van Dokkum).

The family will hold a private funeral service in Houston.