Patricia Ahearn Berger

Patricia Ahearn Berger, a long-time resident of Hilton Head Island, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2021in Tampa, FL, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Washington, DC to Mary Belle and Vincent Ahearn, grew up in Bethesda, MD, attended the Academy of the Holy Cross, then graduated with a BA degree in Zoology from Connecticut College for Women in 1952. In recognition of her exceptional academic achievements, she was chosen to become a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Patricia later graduated with a Master of Education degree from Temple University in 1965.

Patricia had a great love for her family, her Catholic faith, and was a devoted wife to her husband of sixty-eight years, Roland H. Berger. She led a full life while raising a family, traveling with her husband, and pursuing a career in education. She found a special place in her heart teaching disadvantaged children in the fourth grade for many years. Later, she established herself as an editor working on government contracts and finally as an editor of journals and non-fiction books. After retirement Patricia became involved in numerous volunteer activities at the church, library, and local schools. She was an avid reader and was especially interested in developing children’s reading and writing skills.

Patricia is preceded in death by her husband, Roland, her sister, Julia (Ahearn) Walsh, and her brother, Vincent Ahearn. She is survived by her children Mary (Berger) Wiggins, and her husband, Bobby, of San Diego, CA, Ann Berger of Tampa, FL, Kathy (Berger) Carrea and her husband, Larry, of Tampa, and John Berger and his wife, Beth, of Golden, CO. Patricia was the very proud grandmother of nine grandchildren, Patricia, Mary, Julia, Lisa, Kathleen, Roland, Ashley, Vincent and Kristen, and great grandmother of eight. Patricia also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends. We will miss her smile and laughter greatly.

A funeral mass in Patricia’s honor will be held at St Francis by the Sea Catholic Church on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 10:00 in the morning. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Patricia’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, either online at alz.org or by calling 800-872-3900.