Diane Desclos Berger

1944 - 2011

Diane Desclos Berger obituary, 1944-2011, Raleigh, NC

BORN

1944

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street

Raleigh, North Carolina

Diane Berger Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 24, 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.

Memories and Condolences
for Diane Berger

What is your first memory of Diane?

Share a favorite memory you have of Diane.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Diane.

Describe a time when Diane made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Diane?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Diane.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Diane.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Diane.

What is something you learned from Diane?

Not sure what to say?

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.

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

Make a Donation
in Diane Berger's name

Memorial Events
for Diane Berger

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605

How to support Diane's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Diane Berger's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more