Mary was born in Keyport, NJ on June 5, 1936, to the late Rev. Harold and Mary “Molly” (nee. Heck) Green. Mary grew up in Keyport until 1945, then lived in Ridgefield from 1945 to 1950, and then the North Hackensack section of River Edge. During her youth, she spent summers in the family cabin on the Delaware River. Mary earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1959 studying at both the University of Pennsylvania Hospital School in Philadelphia and the Columbia Teachers College affiliated with Columbia Presbyterian Hospital - Neurological Institute where she worked during college. She married her husband, Herbert Burger, in 1959. In 1962 they moved to Pequannock where they raised their family before settling in Sandyston in 1997.
Prior to her retirement in 1998, Mary spent over 25 years as a dedicated registered nurse, providing care, comfort, and dignity to countless patients within Pequannock Township.
Beyond her professional career, Mary embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She found joy in a wide range of activities, including golfing, playing bridge, camping, sailing, hiking, skiing, sewing, knitting and bowling. Whether on a quiet trail, the open water, or among friends on the course, she cherished time spent in nature and in good company.
Family was at the heart of everything Mary did. When her children were young, Mary was deeply involved in their lives, serving as a Scout leader and supporting both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts programs. She also shared her faith and kindness by teaching Sunday school at her church, helping to guide and inspire younger generations.
Mary was an engaged and thoughtful member of her community, including her involvement with the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She valued education, connection, and the empowerment of others. She was also very active in her churches; The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains and the Delaware Valley United Methodist Church in Sandyston.
She will be remembered for her warmth, strength, generosity, and the steady encouragement she offered to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, through her nursing, her volunteer work, and most of all, her family.
The beloved wife to the late Herbert Burger, Mary is survived by her children, Kenneth Burger and his wife, Carrie and Diane Hunter and her husband, Douglas; her grandchildren, Steven, Jessica, Daniel, Adam and Brett; her brother, Harry Green and his wife, Pam; her sister-in-law, Kathy; her dear friend, Pat McCormick; and her niece, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Delaware Valley United Methodist Church in Sandyston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037 in honor of her lifelong dedication to helping others. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
