Dr. Helen Therese Fish

With heavy hearts but countless cherished memories, we celebrate the beautiful life of Dr. Helen Therese Berg Fish, who passed away peacefully in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by love.

Born in Minneapolis to John and Therese Berg, Helen dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and hearts as an educator, author, sister, and mother. She graduated high school from Holy Angels in Richfield in 1962. Her passion for education led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Primary Education, followed by a Master's in Early Childhood Education and Literature from Brenau University, and both an Educational Specialist and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia.

For nearly five decades, Helen touched the lives of countless children as a beloved educator. She began her teaching journey in 1966 at Richfield Public Schools, followed by positions at Mankato Public Schools, Janesville Public Schools, and Gainesville City Schools, where she spent most of her career from 1986-2013 at Enota Elementary, Fair Street School, and Centennial Elementary. Her final chapter in education was at St. Anne's Catholic School in Bristol, Virginia, where she continued sharing her gift until 2015 and it is here she shared her time with her first grandchildren. Teaching over 750 children to read remained one of her greatest achievements and sources of joy. Helen would often describe the moment a child could read as both her proudest and most joyful moment because she knew it would spark the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Helen's joy for life extended far beyond the classroom. She found peace and wonder in the outdoors, and was always eager to share nature with her family. A spunky athlete, she proudly earned first place in her age group in several 5K road races. Her lifelong love of learning meant she was constantly trying new things and embracing fresh adventures.

Above all, Helen embodied generosity of spirit and remarkable resilience. She faced life's challenges by looking forward to the next sunny day. Through every hardship, she wore an armor of kindness, putting her children at the center of her life and instilling in them the same strength, kindness, and love of all that defined her character. A devoted Catholic, she gave of herself more than she took, treating everyone-from the janitor to the president-with equal respect. Her warm hugs, unwavering "I love yous," and genuine care for others created a circle of love that touched all who knew her. Her resilience became a beacon of hope, showing all who knew her how grace and determination could overcome any obstacle while nurturing the next generation with unwavering love.

Helen is survived by her devoted children: Eric James Fish (Garieann), Angela Diane Fish Zambito (Vincent), and Christine Ann Fish-Theriault (Frederic); her treasured grandchildren: Ryan William Fish, Lauren Elizabeth Fish, Leonardo Charles Zambito, Sophia Therese Zambito, and Amélie Ann Theriault; and her loving siblings: John Berg, Paul Berg, and Lisa Berg; her cherished step-daughter Lisa Gibson (Erik) and her children Tanner and Callie (Robert) - currently expecting a daughter. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends including the Seidl family and so many others whose lives she touched with her boundless love and friendship. She was preceded in death by her wonderful parents, John and Therese Berg, niece Katie Berg, sister-in-law Mary Lee Berg, and stepson Brandon Fish.

A Celebration of Life Services include:

Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025
Visitation
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Nokomis Park Chapel, 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway - Minneapolis, MN 55407

Thursday, Jun 12, 2025
Visitation
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Funeral Service
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 5426 12th Avenue South - Minneapolis, MN

Graveside Service
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Lakewood Cemetery (Minneapolis), 3600 Hennepin Avenue South - Minneapolis,
Reception & Celebration of Life
Following the Services (Location to be Determined

We want to thank the countless caregivers and healthcare staff that supported our family at this difficult time especially, Hospice Savannah, and Harmony of Savannah. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice in Helen's name or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Helen's legacy lives on in every child she taught to read, every life she touched with kindness, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her loving spirit.