Norma A. Berk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norma Berk at the age of 99. Norma died peacefully at the Atrium in Red Rank on August 15, 2023. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Norma moved with her family to Florida. There, Norma met and married Harold Berk, a tennis professional. They were married for 64 years.

Norma worked with Harold in their tennis business, both in Miami Beach and in Deal, New Jersey. Norma became an avid jogger and competed in many races, often winning her age group. Norma also was a master bridge player and a lover of opera, theater, movies, classical music, and ballet.

Norma’s greatest love was her family. She had a special relationship with her daughter, Janet, and for years they would go into Manhattan once or twice a month to see shows or the ballet. Norma also had very close relationships with her three grandchildren. She was a great listener, nonjudgmental, and if you saw her with any of her grandchildren, the mutual love and respect was obvious. As for her great-grandchildren, whenever they came to visit, Norma couldn’t take her eyes off them. She adored them both.

Norma was predeceased by her parents, Max and Tena Katz; her brothers, Richard Katz and Leslie Katz; and her husband, Harold. She is survived by her daughter, Janet Berk; son-in-law Michael Timko; grandchildren, Kimberly Timko (Bhavik Patel), Keith Timko (Cristine), and Caroline Timko; and great-grandchildren, Theodore and Graham; and nephew, Stephen Rahn (Alana).

If you were fortunate enough to have known Norma, you know that she was the essence of goodness. A chapel service will be held at 11 am on Sunday, August 20, at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, Ocean. Interment will follow at B'nai Israel Cemetery, Tinton Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Anti-Defamation League, adl.org, or the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.