In Memory of Shirley Berk

Our mother, Shirley Berk, died on July 11, 2003 of non-small cell lung cancer at the age of 63 — only five months after she was diagnosed. The photo, with Shirley on the left, Romy, bride Tesa, and our father, Herman, was taken six weeks after she started treatments.

She was a beautiful extraordinary woman. Everyone who met her was touched by her enthusiasm, warmth and vitality. She made friends wherever she went and even filled the radiation and chemotherapy centers with laughter, as she found out the details of all the nurses' lives. She faced her illness bravely and positively, and died peacefully and with grace, surrounded by family, after several difficult weeks. We miss her terribly, but know that she is watching over us, and will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

-Her daughters, Romy and Tesa