Verna Lea (Stierle) Berger

Verna Lea Stierle Berger went home to be with her Lord following a courageous battle of dementia on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.  Verna graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in Wilmington, Delaware and went to work at the duPont Company in the Accounts Payable department before starting a family.  After her daughters entered school, Verna worked as an aide at Brandywine School District, moving into a position with the Gifted and Talented program in the Brandywine School District.  She then accepted a position with the Red Clay School District as a secretary in the Human Resources department, where she retired after many years of service.  Verna was always very involved in supporting her daughters in their school and Girl Scout activities which included chaperoning trips, organizing fundraiser drives and attending numerous musical concerts.  Verna served as the Treasurer of the Edgemoor Terrace Civic Association for many years and participated in many of their holiday activities. Verna enjoyed getting together with her Red Hats Group.  She also enjoyed being a season ticket holder at the Wilmington Blue Rocks for many seasons, cruising to Alaska and the islands and taking a trip of a lifetime to Hawaii.  Lastly, she enjoyed dinners with her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Forrest S. Berger of 60 years and their children:  Susan L. Opalach (Richard) and Barbara A. Hafner (Michael) and her brother, William R. Stierle (Sheron).  Also, three grandchildren:  Seth M. Hafner, Karianne E. Opalach and Sarah M. Opalach who were her pride and joy as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Verna was preceded in death by her parents, William F. Stierle and Ruth A. Stierle.

Relatives and friends may call on the family Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10-11 am and attend the service at 11 am at the Brandywine Valley Funeral Care Beeson Chapel, 412 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809.  Interment will be private for immediate family at a later time.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Kutz Senior Living in Wilmington, Delaware and ChristianaCare-AccentCare formerly Seasons Hospice in Newark, Delaware for their outstanding and exceptional care. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kutz Senior Living at 704 River Road – Wilmington, DE 19809 or online at www.kutzseniorliving.org and/or ChristianaCare-AccentCare at 220 Continental Drive – Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713 or online at www.seasonsfoundation.org.

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