BANGOR – Elizabeth J. Berger died Oct. 29, 2011, after a short stay at St. Joseph Hospital. Her date of birth is a secret that goes with her to her grave. Born Elizabeth J. Jacobs in Boston, daughter of the late Ruth and Phillip Jacobs, Elizabeth, better known as Betty, grew up in Boston.
Betty graduated from Girls’ Latin School. She then went on to graduate from Smith College with a degree in economics. Betty became a secretary in Boston working with Joseph Lee to develop the Boston Esplanade and sailing area. Betty was the first woman hired by Boston Edison as an economist. She married Mr. Shirley Berger and came to Bangor. Betty received her master’s degree in education from the University of Maine. She taught at The Hebrew Day School and in the Bangor public school system. Her students looked up to her and many kept in touch long after their studies and tutorials ended. Active in many organizations from state politics to the Bangor Symphony, a patron of the arts for the University of Maine, Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, book clubs, Temple Beth El, Hadassah study group, and a number of other organizations. A woman’s libber, she felt, let the women be in charge, if it doesn’t work we can always blame the men.
Spirited to the end, Betty is survived by her daughter, Phyllis B. Serepca and husband, Stephen; her son, Lawrence D. Berger and wife, Sylvie Bokshorn; and three grandchildren, David Serepca and wife, Gina, Paul Serepca and wife, Lori, and Amy Kivett and husband, Landon. She was especially proud of her seven great-grandchildren, Joshuah, Joel, Noah, Ashlynn and Kayla Serepca, Elizabeth and Luke Kivett. She is also survived by her dear sister, Ruth J. Dangel; many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held noon Monday, Oct. 31, at Beth Israel Cemetery, Bangor, with Rabbi Darrah Lerner officiating. The family requests donations be made in her memory to the charity of their choice. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor.