1944
2011
Diane Sylvia Desclos Berger died at her home in Raleigh surrounded by family on Thursday, June 23, of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after a sudden decline over the preceding week.
She is survived by her beloved husband Dr. Thomas J. Berger (Cdr., U.S.N., retired) of Raleigh; by sons Zac Moretz and wife Jennifer of Concord, N.C., and Thomas Berger and wife Mary of New York City; by daughters Frederica Rhodes and husband Randy of Maryland, Catherine Berger of Washington, D.C., and Andrea Verykoukis and husband Nico of Chapel Hill; by brothers Raymond Desclos and wife Peg of Monroe, N.C., and David Desclos and wife Diane of New Hampshire; and by her adored grandchildren Chase, Tate, Sawyer and Piper Moretz, Jackson and Grace Rhodes, and Joseph and George Verykoukis.
Diane was born on September 30, 1944, in Salem, Mass., and grew up in Danvers, Mass. She attended school in Boston and in 1967 married naval fighter pilot J. Douglas Moretz. They settled in his hometown of Sanford, N.C., where her husband was a noted attorney, and she spent many happy years there with her cherished lifelong friends before moving to Raleigh in 1984.
Diane was beloved by many in Raleigh, and applied her many talents to her career as a trusted executive assistant to some of the area's most important leaders. She was a volunteer with Mordecai House and then became assistant to the executive director of Preservation North Carolina. From there she became executive assistant to the president of First Federal Savings & Loan of Raleigh, and later to the head of MCI in Research Triangle Park. From there she was lured into state government by then-Secretary of Commerce Dave Phillips to be his executive assistant. Diane remained at Commerce under Norris Tolson, to whom she became a cherished friend and confidante. She later moved with Tolson to the N.C. Dept. of Transportation and continued on when Lyndo Tippett became Secretary as his special assistant and close personal friend. Diane retired in 2006, receiving the Old North State Award from Governor Mike Easley for her service and dedication.
Diane was overjoyed to find Tom Berger, the love of her life, in his living room during the 2001 Oakwood Christmas Preview Party. Tom and Diane married in 2002 and lived a charmed life together, holding hands, attending plays and concerts, traveling to France and Italy, and never missing any of their grandchildren's many birthdays, ballgames and recitals. Their happy marriage was a blessing and a model for their children, who reveled in the expansion of their family and in the joy Diane brought to each of them. Her eight grandchildren will always remember their adored Dearie.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Diane at Sacred Heart Cathedral in downtown Raleigh on Tuesday, June 28, at 1:30 pm. A celebration of her life will follow, across the street at Kerr Hall, Edenton St. United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Diane with a contribution to Covenant Classical School of Concord, Preservation North Carolina, or Hospice of Wake County.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 2, 2011
from joseph
July 2, 2011
to the whole family remeber all the good times with dearie joseph
July 1, 2011
Rick Perales
We here at the Seaboard Cafe will miss Diane's smiling face and sparkling personality. She brightened our lives. Our prayers are with Tom and family.
June 30, 2011
Judy Stevenson
Dear Tom & Familly,
I was sorry to hear or Diane's passing. I didn't know her, but remember Tom in his lose of Ann. I wish you the best as life goes forward.
In my prayers,
Judy Stevenson
June 28, 2011
Stacey Nance
I am so sorry for your loss. Diane was one of the kindest sweetest ladies I know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this hard time. Stacey Nance
June 28, 2011
Zac, I am so, so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. There are few things in life as painful as this. Please know that I am thinking of you, and hoping that you come to peace with her passing soon. I know you will see her again one day. Warm regards, Alanna Nash
June 27, 2011
David McCoy
I was saddened to hear of Diane's passing. Diane was often heard complementing others by saying "you're the best" -- simply said, she was. May God bless and comfort you in the days ahead.
David T. McCoy
North Carolina State Controller
June 27, 2011
Saronda Woods
Zack, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Diane at NC Department of Commerce in the Secretary's Office. She was a caring and loving person. I'll never forget her. My prayers are with you and the Berger family in your time of grief. May God comfort you all now and in the future.
June 27, 2011
Debbie Brantley
I worked with Diane for a short time at DOT. Diane was a very professional and very caring person. She will be truly missed. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your all.
Sincerely,
Debbie Brantley
June 27, 2011
Diane was a classy, amazing person and a wonderful asset to NCDOT. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sandy Nance
NCDOT
June 26, 2011
Zac Moretz
From Tom, me, and the rest of our family, thank you all so much for all of your kind words. We knew she was great, but it is so comforting to know how much she meant to so many others. Thank you.
June 26, 2011
Joyce Miles
Dear Zack, Tom and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Diane's passing. I worked with Diane at DOT. She was a lovely lady and well liked. She will be missed. God Bless you.
June 26, 2011
Bill McCrea
I had the pleasure of working with Diane when I served on the Board of Mordecai House -she was a woman of amazing talent and ability. Our community is better for having her with us for so many years. Please accept my sympathy for your profound loss.
June 26, 2011
Norma Horvitz
Dearest Zac, Phillip and I were terribly saddened to hear of the untimely death of your mother. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you, Jen, and the children, to her husband, Tom, and to her entire Berger family. We are both holding you in our hearts. Love, Aunt Norma
June 26, 2011
Andrea, I'm so very sorry about losing your mother. What a beautiful lady. Please let me know if there's anything I can do. Do take care.
Tim Bradley
June 26, 2011
Dear Tom,
Darrell and I want to send our love and support to you and the family. It was truly a blessing and honor to have had her as wonderful friend. Be sure to let you know we are here for you always.
Darrell Grubbs
Michael Stegall
June 26, 2011
Frank and Claire Gallo
We are so sorry for your loss and send you and all your family our deepest sympathy. We will pray for her and all of you daily as we remember all of our family and friends who have gone on before us. God bless you and yours.
June 26, 2011
Robert&Ruth Moretz
Zac, Jen, and family, Uncle Robert and I are deeply saddened by the loss of your mother. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. Your mother was a very gracious and caring person.
June 25, 2011
Whitney Craig
Tom and family, I am deeply saddened by the news of Dearie's passing. She had such a profound impact on my family with her kindness, warmth and openness. She was truly a "dear". I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you.
June 25, 2011
Vickie Weant
Zac, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I hope that you can find comfort in remembering all of fond memories that you have. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do. God bless you and your family, Vickie Weant
June 25, 2011
Hannah Jernigan
Tom, Zac and Family, please know how saddened I am about the loss of Diane. She was such an amazing lady. I learned so much from her at DOT and cherished our friendship. There will never be another Diane. God bless you all.
June 25, 2011
Celia Dickerson
Losing her is grievous. But the pain can not be as great as the joy of having known her. A lovely presence in the lives of so many.
June 25, 2011
Our dear Tom.
Dearie and my mom are having a ball right now. We are devstated, however.
Love, Nancy, Avi, and Jason
June 24, 2011
Jane Pate
Zack and Tom, I so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed working for and with Diane for a number of years. I will miss her. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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