Dorothy Anne Berger

Dorothy Anne (Madden) Berger, of Andre Place, Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 15 at St Joseph Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. "Dot" was born in Louisville, KY on April 7, 1925, to Mary Agnes (Murphy) and Thomas Madden, who preceded her in death, along with her older sister, Mary Margaret who then became sister Sheila Ann Madden. Dottie graduated from Presentation Academy in Louisville in 1943 as World War II raged in Europe. She wrote to many soldiers overseas and subsequently had a large number of admirers, but she met the love of her life on a blind date after the war. Dorothy and Harold "Hal" Berger were married on May 17, 1947 after a two-month courtship. Together they raised 5 children: Donald (Kathleen) Berger, of Granger, IN, Sheila (Thomas, deceased) Walerko, of South Bend, Patricia (Michael) Newlin, of Riverton, WY, Barbara (Peter) Volk, of Springhill, TN, and Susan Berger, of Granger, IN, who gave them 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Hal preceded Dorothy in death in 2013 after 63 wonderful years together. A lifelong devout Catholic, Dorothy was a member of St. Anthony de Padua parish in South Bend for many years, and then St. Pius X in Granger. She volunteered her time working for the Christ Child Society and for St. Vincent de Paul, as well as lending her sparkling soprano to the choirs at both parishes. She was active in her chapter of the Rosary Society almost right up until her passing. Always a top student, Dorothy enjoyed furthering her academic career by taking elective classes through IUSB, at which she excelled. She became an enthusiastic member of PEO International, promoting educational opportunities for women. Over the years she developed many talents and hobbies, including painting on china and canvas, sewing, and gardening, and she enjoyed reading, travel, and socializing with her wide "circle" of friends. At a feisty 96 years young, Dorothy texted and face-timed with her children and was active on Facebook. Her children remember Dorothy lovingly as a mother who created a warm and inviting home, sang frequently while working around the house and on car trips, served as a room mother, den, and Bluebird leader, loved hearing about school, dates, friends, and social outings as we grew, and who was the heart of our family. We will miss her more than words can express. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, December 21 at 11 am at St Joseph Chapel at Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, IN. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior.In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Dorothy's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, donors@stjude.org or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 520 Crescent Ave., South Bend, IN 46617.To send private condolences, please visit: http://www.mcgannhay.com/condolences.htmlTo view funeral for Dorothy Berger, click on link below.