Nancy Carole

She is survived by her loving sister, Eleanor Morey; her children, John T. Berko, Annmarie Tesarck, Michele-Lee Shapiro, and son-in-law Steven Shapiro; grandchildren Bethany, Rachel, and Joshua Tesarck, Starr and Parker Shapiro, and Makayla and Jonathon Berko; and great grandchildren Vivienne Tesarck and Layla Pendlebury.

She is predeceased by her beautiful parents, Michael and Marie LaMedica, former spouse John P. Berko, and granddaughter Makenzie Berko. She was an amazing mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, and friend to so many.

Raised in Union, New Jersey she achieved her dream of becoming a dance teacher at a very young age. Owner and principal instructor of Nancy Carole School of Dance for nearly 40 years, “Miss Nancy” was a gamechanger in the world of dance while inspiring thousands of people over the years. Many of her students found a second home at the dance studio, whether on Elm Street in Kearny or later in Lyndhurst. Dance was just one of the many gifts that Miss Nancy bestowed. She produced the most innovative and entertaining recitals, formed the NC Dance Co., one of the first competitive dance troupes in New Jersey, founded the “Places, Please!” performing arts company, developed a new business model for dance studios, mentored students and young dance teachers alike, created an inspiring exercise program, consulted for costume companies, taught for the local Recreation Department, was the Director of Fitness at King’s Court Health Club, and so much more.

A champion of education, she founded the Nancy Carole College Scholarship Fund for high school seniors. She also gave back to the community through her work as a member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Kearny, taking a lead role in granting the club’s annual scholarships. Nancy was the inaugural recipient of the Hudson County Council of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Women’s History Month award recipient. Retirement did not stop her, as she founded and performed with the Lake Ridge Dansations in Toms River.

Her vibrant spirit and sense of humor was uplifting and contagious. The heavenly angels have a new choreographer!

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Nancy's memory to a charity of your choice.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 9:15 am at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church; 1674 Old Freehold Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755