Charlotte Selkow Berger

Berger, Charlotte Selkow, - of Egg Harbor Twp. , mother of two amazing daughters, four wonderful stepdaughters, 13 grandchildren and many beloved great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully at home Saturday night surrounded by her family, and Charlotte's compassionate caregiver, Ciline Reid. Charlotte was a sand-in-her shoes, lifelong native of Absecon Island, whose family, including parents Rose and Harry Davidson, ran a hotel on Virginia Avenue for many years, with the help of their four boisterous boys, Sam, Bill, Danny, and Marvin, who doted on their little sister—when they weren't busy teasing her. Young Charlotte also helped her mother run their popular family rooming house on Sovereign Avenue. Charlotte was happily married in 1952 to Herman Selkow, owner of Ace Auto Glass, for 23 years and together they made their home in Margate, where they raised their daughters Ellyn and Jody, enjoying large family get-togethers, holiday traditions, and family vacations to Israel, California and Florida. In fulfilment of her interest in community service and her strong commitment to primary education, she also served as the president of the Margate PTA for several years, and was president of the local chapter of the National Jewish Hospital. Herman sadly passed away when the girls were teenagers, and Charlotte capably took on the role of single mother, as well as taking on the responsibility of family breadwinner, serving as the office manager for the family's much-loved religious congregation, Beth Judah, a position she held for 20 years. In 1985, Charlotte wed area newsman Howard Berger, father of Eve, Arlene, Lori & Valerie, who had recently lost his wife, and the pair spent the next 30 years together, until Howard passed in 2016. Together they enjoyed family time and celebrations, attending numerous press events, including casino openings and the Miss America Pageant, and travel to such places as Canada, Nova Scotia, Niagara Falls, San Francisco, London, Israel, and the maiden voyage of the refurbished QE2. It was at this time in her life that Charlotte was able to jump back into the community service she loved. She was an active volunteer with RNS up until her death, having served on the Board for many years, and as president from 1997 to 1999. She was in the center of planning and participating in multiple annual events, including the RNS Ball, Bag Lady Luncheons, the Showcase at the Shore and Holiday Gift Wrapping at the Mall. In 2003, she also joined together with fellow former RNS presidents Dorothea Meltzer and Martha Moskowitz to support the founding of Gilda's Club of SJ, which RNS funded. She served Gilda's Club as board member and advisory trustee, and supported them in the opening of Noogie Land and in the most important role of all, a steadfast volunteer. To the great delight of her granddaughters, who benefited from the swag and autographed contestant photos, Charlotte also served as a Miss America hostess committee member for more than a decade. When she wasn't busy volunteering, Charlotte worked as a bookkeeper for her brother Marvin, supporting the family business, Harry Davidson Plumbing. They worked amicably together for over 25 years, and he almost never teased her. Here's to our much beloved Charlotte. "A Strong and Amazing Woman. May we know them. May we raise them. May we BE Them." Contributions in Charlotte's memory can be made to RNS, Gilda's Club and Shirat Hayam. J.S. Goldstein Funeral Home & Monuments, Mays Landing. www.JSGFunerals.com