Donna Beverley Berger

Donna Berger, age 93 of Vancouver, BC , passed away peacefully on December, 25th, 2024 - Christmas Day in Nanaimo, BC with her Woodgrove Manor LTC family (staff & residents) by her side, while carols played and residents sang. She was born on November, 1, 1931.

On July, 1st ,1956, at age 25, Donna married Fred Berger, the love of her life. They lived in Vancouver in the same home for 36 yrs. until Fred retired in 1992, when they moved to a new townhome just a few blocks East, staying in the Fraserview area of South Vancouver, overlooking the Fraser River.

Fred was born on February, 17th, 1928 and died 74 years later on June, 9th, 2002 leaving Donna to carry on until her transition on Christmas Day. Donna was predeceased by her twin brother Ken Stephensen, sister Valerie Hortie, mother Kathleen. Donna had 2 father’s – Steve Stephensen and step-dad Ralph Anderson who were both emotionally damaged in their own way through WWII and beyond, neither found their way to be loving, present role models. Donna did her best to be there for her family and was determined to be a loving presence for Fred and their daughter, Stephanie.

Stephanie is their only child, born in June of 1957. She survives her Mom along with her husband Ken, and step-son Jay (Amie). After Fred’s death, Donna lived on her own for seventeen years in the T/H she and Fred bought. In 2019 Stephanie brought her to Nanaimo to be closer – those six years were filled with healing, compassion, patience and renewed love. For the first time, Ken and Stephanie had Donna over for Sunday dinners, she was no longer alone.

While in Nanaimo, Donna lived for four years at Lakeside Gardens Indy Living residence and then moved to Woodgrove Manor Long Term Care from April 2023 until her transition. She was beloved by the residents and staff at both places, always wanting to help others and especially always dancing to any music she heard. She was known for her sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humour.

Special gratitude for ALL the staff of Woodgrove Manor who are angels here on Earth. They loved and cared for Donna and she loved them right back. She is now with her beloved family.