Dear Grandma,

As I sit down to write this letter to you, I am filled with a mixture of love and sorrow. I wish I could have one more conversation with you, one more moment to say goodbye. I was headed your way and I turned around that day, and in hindsight, I realize that my biggest takeaway from that moment is the importance of being independent and not being afraid to go alone. 

Grandma had a special way of making each of us feel unique. To her, I was Mandi. That name, which only she called me, has now been passed down through my Aunt Ruthie and cousins —JR, ReRe, and Danielle whom all call me Mandi too. It’s a beautiful reminder of the bond we shared.

I remember the day I decided I wanted to learn how to drive a standard. Grandma was the only one who stepped up to teach me. In her silver bubble shaped Ford, we ventured out together, and I learned not just about driving, but about patience, perseverance, and the joy of trying new things. One day, I hope to teach my son, Nash the same way she taught me, passing down that spirit of adventure.

Crochet was another gift she shared with me. I still cherish the cross we bejeweled together with supplies gathered from Hobby Lobby, proudly hanging among all my other crosses. And that crystal necklace she made for me. It’s a treasure I hold close to my heart, a constant reminder of her love and creativity.

Grandma had a no-nonsense approach to life. She was serious and straight to the point with all her grandchildren, but we all knew that beneath that tough exterior was a heart full of love. She kept us in check, and we loved her for it. 

As a child, I always looked forward to the gifts she shared at Christmas. It was a tradition for the girls to receive the same gift, while the boys got their own special surprises. I’ll never forget the body wash scrub baskets and the Tickle Me Elmo. Those gifts, simple as they were, hold a special place in my memories.

I will always remember her house in Fox Hollow, she shared with the Bubbas. Being so close in the neighborhood allowed my sister, Sara and me to grow closer to JR, and Joe. We learned so much from them, especially how to create art and even how to do graffiti bubble letters. Grandma fostered that creativity and connection among us all.

One of Grandma's most profound lessons that I will carry with me is her belief that a home is made to be lived in. She would tell my mom to stop cleaning, insisting that the house wasn’t meant to be perfect—it was meant to be loved in. “Sit down and just visit with me,” she would say. Those words resonate deeply, reminding me to cherish moments over perfection.

Grandma was the baddest woman I know, wrangling all her kids and all the cousins with grace. My mom would often say, "Grandma Berger is a tank!" And she truly was. She will always be my tank, our tank. I love you, Grandma, and I promise to carry your spirit with me as I navigate life, embracing every lesson you taught me.

Love, Mandi.

To MsKathy family         I am so sorry for your loss. I have really enjoyed these few months we had together.She was just like my grandma.She was just a beautiful person. I use to be ready when Friday would come.I use tell my husband that I am going to see Ms Kathy.He would say is she the only one you take care of and I would say no but it’s something about her just made me draw close to her. I miss her so much.She is in a better place.No more suffering. I use to call Monica and tell her to tell Ms Kathy that I love her. I love y’all Monica and family.If you need me I am one phone call away. LLMK.  Long Live Ms Kathy.   Keke Reed and family

I can still hear your voice Grandma when you say “I love you Kenneth”. I feel a piece of me that will forever be missing until we are all together again one day.  I love you grandma and i will always think of you as i always have. One wonderful memory i will talk about and remember that we shared was when we would all be in your home for the summer driving you up the wall with 8+ kids and you’d be the only adult having to deal with us rascals while the parents were out running errands. You had told me and Johnboy to stop running through the doorway and kitchen area or your going to Pull our Hair out, so as kids we didnt listen so you did what you said, and pulled our hair many times as we ran by until one summer, before we knew we were going to visit you. John and I had shaved our heads so we could outsmart you which actually worked because like always we did what you said not do to and when you went to pull our hair, we didnt have any and you said, get back here. You’re Cheating…. You smiled back with a Proud but defeated look and thought how did they think of that.  Im sure you thought, well they are my grandchildren and are smart as heck and think like you do. I love you grandma, and i will miss you tremendously.

Grandma, I will never forget the time you watched your grandchildren at your apartment. You woke up and made us breakfast. You did not have bacon, so you put bacon bits in the eggs/pancakes. We all laughed so hard but we all knew how much you loved us. We love you and going to miss you so much!!  JR.

OBITUARY

Katheryn Evelyn Berger

December 10, 1940 – August 27, 2024

Earthman Funeral Directors

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