Frances Marie Berger

Frances Marie Berger ObituaryFrances Marie Berger, of Ocean Township, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was 90 years old.
Fran led an interesting life, an active life, and a meaningful life – not without its share of heartache and difficulties, but nevertheless, one you could even call a wonderful life.
She was born in Queens, NY in 1935 and grew up in Belmar. She loved to swim in the Shark River and play with her sisters and friends. Her family called her Frances until her beloved 8th grade teacher started calling her Fran.
After completing school, Fran started working in Asbury Park at Steinbach's, where she took part in their sales associate training program. Soon after, she met Jack Berger, owner of Berger's women's apparel, who was so impressed with her that he asked her to come work at Berger's. That turned out to be a fateful event, because this is where she met her future husband, Harris Berger.
When Jack Berger retired and closed the original Berger's, Fran and Harris opened a new Berger's – focusing on fashions for younger women. They would work together for over 45 years. When they moved the business from Asbury Park to the Seaview Square mall, Fran designed the store without professional help – and proceeded to win awards for outstanding store design. The store routinely led the mall in sales per square foot.
As an adult, Fran took ballroom dance lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance School and did so well that she became a professional dancer, later teaching lessons and performing at night clubs at the shore in the 1950s.
Fran was an outstanding cook, and her recipes are still enjoyed today. One of her son's high school friends recently said she still uses the recipes Fran gave her 40 years ago.
She was an engaging conversationalist and made everyone feel welcome. Fran loved a good chat and enjoyed meeting people of all ages who would walk away and say how warm and friendly she was.
Fran was most proud of, and took her greatest happiness in her family: her husband, Harris, two children, Adam and Cathleen, a daughter-in-law, Laura, and two grandchildren Allison and Mark - as well as four sisters and 12 nieces and nephews. She delighted in making dinner for her family, playing games, supporting them at their sporting events, and watching movies together.
Even as age took its toll, until the very end Fran fully enjoyed her life.
She is survived by her son, Adam, his wife Laura, and her grandchildren, Allison and Mark. She was predeceased by her husband, Harris and daughter, Cathleen.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, September 25 at 10 am at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst, Ocean Township. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Frances Marie Berger, of Ocean Township, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was 90 years old.
Fran led an interesting life, an active life, and a meaningful life – not without its share of heartache and difficulties, but nevertheless, one you could even call a wonderful life