Susan Mae Berger

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Susan was the daughter of Jack and Julia Cohen and sister to the late Marcie Cohen. She began her professional life as an educator, teaching special education in New York, where her dedication to helping others was evident early on.

Susan met the love of her life, Irv Berger, in Paris on a European tour. What began as a chance meeting grew into a long-distance romance and eventually a marriage and a life together in Texas. The couple settled in the Houston, Missouri City and Sugar Land area, where they raised their two children, Jared and Mallory.

After the birth of Jared in 1982, Susan stepped away from teaching to devote herself to raising her family, but she was never one to sit still. She became deeply involved in her children's schools, participating in PTAs, booster clubs, fundraisers, and countless activities. Whether it was a school play, sporting event, or special occasion, Susan was there. She rarely missed an opportunity to support her children, and she made sure they always knew how proud she was.

That commitment extended well beyond her family. Susan was an active participant in the synagogue communities she belonged to throughout her life, often taking leadership roles in Sisterhood activities, fundraising initiatives, and other efforts supporting those institutions. Wherever Susan found a community, she found a way to contribute.

Susan also loved bringing people together. She was happiest with a house full of family and friends, preparing meals, entertaining guests, and making sure everyone felt welcome. Cooking for a crowd was one of her great joys, and there was always more than enough food. At Susan's house, leftovers weren't just likely. They were practically guaranteed.

She also loved shopping and was known to joke that her favorite phrase was "Charge it!" Whether she was shopping, hosting a gathering, or spoiling someone she loved, Susan enjoyed finding ways to make people happy.

When her grandchildren came along, Susan embraced a new and cherished role. She was the grandmother who wanted to say yes to everything, who loved spoiling her grandchildren, and who wanted them to know just how deeply they were loved. Following the birth of her twin grandchildren, Dax and June, in 2015, Susan and Irv relocated from the Houston area to North Texas to be closer to family.

More than anything, Susan believed in showing up for the people she loved.

She showed up for the big moments and the everyday ones. She was there to celebrate accomplishments, offer encouragement, lend a hand, or simply be present. For Susan, loving someone meant making the time, getting involved, and being there whenever she was needed.

That devotion to family, friends, and community will remain one of her most enduring legacies.

Susan is survived by her beloved husband, Irv Berger; her son, Jared Berger, and his wife, Jessa; her daughter, Mallory Mostov, and her husband, Isaac; and her three grandchildren, Dax, June, and Keely. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Julia Cohen, and her sister, Marcie Cohen.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery-Post Oak (7445 Awty School Lane, Houston, TX 77055) in Houston, Texas.

Susan spent her life making sure the people she loved knew she was there for them. And that is how she will be remembered. Someone who showed up, again and again, with love, generosity, and a willingness to do whatever was needed.