Nora Berlinger

Obituary of Nora Berlinger

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Nora Jane Berlinger, 77, of Jenkintown, passed away on January 7, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard William Berlinger. She previously resided in Dresher, Abington, Meadowbrook and Warminster.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William Howard Land, Jr. and the late Anna Violet Adlam.

Nora graduated from Abington High School in 1966 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in music education from Westminster Choir College in 1970 and a master's degree in education from Beaver College (now Arcadia University) in 1976. Her interest in music allowed her the opportunity to work with and learn from many famous conductors and composers.

Over her career, Nora was employed as a music teacher at Willow Dale Elementary School, Springside School for Girls and Gwynedd Mercy Elementary School, as well as a substitute in the Jenkintown School District. She also owned and operated a Kindermusik School from 1992-1995, in addition to teaching private piano and voice lessons. For many years, she worked as the office manager in the family law firm, Berlinger & Small.

For 45 years, Nora was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where she was the Director of Music for over ten years. Prior to becoming a member of Grace Presbyterian Church, she also served as the choir director for Church of the Advent in Hatboro and First Methodist Church – Green Lane in Roxborough.

She was a member of the Gilbert & Sullivan Players, along with her husband.

Nora was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved entertaining people at her home. She and her husband, Dick, enjoyed sailing, where she was an excellent first mate on their many trips.

She is survived by her son, Richard Eric Berlinger; daughter-in-law Louisa Wendt Ryan and two grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Brian James Land of Jamison, PA and her sister, Victoria Anne Beck of The Villages, FL.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2025 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 444 York Road, Jenkintown, where friends and relatives will be received from 12:30 PM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Grace Presbyterian Church – Music Program, 444 York Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046. https://gracejenkintown.org/financials/