Dana Cates Berlin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dana Cates Berlin, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Dana passed away peacefully in Houston on June 13, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in San Antonio on March 4, 1956, Dana brought light and love into the world from the moment she arrived. She was the cherished daughter of Wanda Lou Ella Addington and Karl Pittman Cates, who instilled in her the values of kindness, compassion and perseverance. Dana’s warm spirit and generous heart touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dana grew up in San Antonio and graduated in 1974 from Edison High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos.

Dana was an active member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church (The Woodlands, TX) for many years before moving to the Texas hill country. She worked at Continental Airlines for 18 years and as a professional organizer for ten years until she retired.

One of Dana’s greatest passions was supporting children in need. She worked as a volunteer for Hill Country C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocate) since December 2017, advocating for abused and neglected children in the state’s child welfare system. Dana was often the only stable voice and presence in the lives of the children in her cases as they navigated through the foster care system. Dana worked 11 cases with 20 children, and helped to achieve permanency for all of them.

More than anything Dana was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, preparing meals and sharing stories, and being a fierce adversary on game nights. She was always present to offer guidance, support, and encouragement to anyone in need. Her unique laughter was infectious and her beautiful smile could light up a room. If you ever got to hear Dana’s opera voice, you could be counted as her dear friend.

Dana is survived by her husband of 44 years, Bruce P. Berlin, of Boerne, Texas; sons Austin Berlin (Cam Stratton) of Boerne, and Paul Berlin (Schyler Lewis) of Kyle, Texas; grandson Barrett Stratton Berlin; siblings Pam White and Byron “Bubba” Cates; nieces and nephews Danny White, Kelli White, Karl W. Cates, Kim Cates-Ziccardi, Ross Berlin, Valerie Berlin, Denise Pennington, Carson Berlin, Courtney Berlin, Evan Berlin, and Elise Berlin. She is preceded in death by her parents Karl and Wanda Cates.

A celebration of Dana’s life will be held on July 2nd at 10:30 A.M. at The Marquardt Ranch, followed by a reception: 238 Marquardt Road, Boerne, Texas 78006 (830) 324-6599.

In lieu of flowers, it was Dana’s wish that donations be made to: Hill Country CASA, P. O. Box 290965, Kerrville, Texas 78029 Memo: “In Memory of Dana Berlin."

Rest in peace, dear Dana. Your love, light and legacy will forever be cherished.