Helen H. Berger

Helen Hamilton Berger passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 10th, 2023 at the age of 103. Helen was predeceased by her husband Richard Sidney Berger who passed away in 1995. She was predeceased by her brother Richard Hamilton who passed away in 1992. Born and raised in California, Helen met her husband Richard, a WWII navy pilot in the Pacific Arena and eventually relocated to South Orleans in 1955 to the Lockwood Estate of Richard’s grandparents, Ethel and Wilton Lockwood.

Helen and Richard had six daughters all of whom live on Cape Cod. Their daughters, Karen Berger LeMoine, Kevin Berger Wade, Kristine Berger Viprino, Kathleen Berger Tringale, Karol Berger Lee, and Kayleen Berger Rosato were deeply cherished by Helen and Richard.

Helen (Grammy) has 10 grandchildren: Daniel LeMoine, Jessica Craig, Ryan Wade, Jared Hagan, Seth Tringale, Christopher Viprino, James Rosato, Max Tringale, Michael Viprino, and Hayden Berger. She shared a wonderful, caring relationship with each of them, loved them unconditionally, and celebrated their individual uniqueness. Helen’s 9 great grandchildren: Reina and Rhys LeMoine; Harper & Trevor Wade; Coltyn and Cory Viprino; Isabel, Nathaniel, and Emma Craig, lovingly called her GG. She also leaves behind two nieces, Ellen Even and Carol Price and two nephews, Bill and Craig Hamilton each of whom were very dear to her.

For all those who knew Helen, she will be remembered for her many and varied accomplishments. As a young girl in California, Helen was an avid swimmer and became the first female lifeguard in Oakland. Early in their marriage, Richard contracted polio during the epidemic in the late 1940’s. Undaunted by the lifelong challenge of managing polio, she and her husband built a cottage colony in South Orleans overlooking Little Pleasant Bay. She had a longstanding passion for swimming and made sure her six daughters could safely swim across Paw Wah pond at a very young age. Due to her love of animals, she always allowed her daughters to have a wide variety of pets which at one time included each daughter having their own dog, a number of horses, numerous cats and even a monkey!

It was not unusual for Helen to be found fixing the plumbing, shingling a roof, swinging a hammer, splitting and stacking wood, all while raising her six daughters.. Over the years Helen was involved in charitable work that included helping with the Mariner Girl Scout program, the Orleans Council on Aging, and the building of the childrens’ playground in Orleans. Her years working at the Sheraton in Eastham resulted in many enduring friendships. Helen was the ultimate “babysitter”, caring for all of her grandchildren many times over many years and was always ready to lend any family member or friend a hand.

Helen and Richard donated two water access points to the Town of Orleans that many in the community use daily. She was a friend to the many local fishermen who access Pleasant Bay and they in turn were always willing to help Helen in thoughtful, caring ways over the years. Those who walked their dogs to Paw Wah landing soon learned that their dogs would find their way to Helen’s door for a special treat! Independent and strong willed, she lived on her own until she was almost 103!. She was well loved and will be dearly missed.

The burial will be private. There will be a celebration of her life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, an act of kindness would be greatly appreciated.