Catherine "Dolly" Berger Wife of SSA Andy Berger

Catherine Ferguson Berger 'Dolly'



January 16, 1939 - August 26, 2011

Dolly, 72, of Charlotte passed away peacefully on Friday, August 26, 2011 surrounded by her family. She was born January 16, 1939 in Albany, NY to the late Edward and Florence Ferguson. Dolly grew up in Larchmont, NY with her five siblings Mary, Edward, Billy, Nan, and Peter. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Andrew, her brother Edward, and sister Mary. Dolly fought a difficult and courageous battle. She inspired many with her positive and sweet spirit. Even in difficult times, in typical Dolly fashion, she wanted to take care of others before she thought of herself.



She attended Marymount College in Arlington, VA. After graduation from Marymount, she was married to Andy Berger on June 25, 1960. During Andy's career in the Secret Service, Dolly and Andy raised their family in New York, Maryland and Charlotte. Dolly was well respected in the retail industry and enjoyed a long career with Montaldo's and most recently with Paul Simon for Women in Charlotte. Dolly's family was the most important thing in her life. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.



Being a wife and mother was the most important thing to her. Dolly was a woman of grace and elegance and had a wonderful sense of humor. She always made everyone around her feel better. You could always count on Dolly for a kind word or a quick hug. She was a loyal friend to many. She loved to spend time at family gatherings, beach trips to the Jersey Shore, and Kiawah Island, SC. She was happiest when surrounded by family and took great joy in anything having to do with her grandchildren. She is survived by her four children: Katie Higgins of Charlotte, Andrew and his wife Julie of Gastonia, John and his wife Maria of Charlotte and Chris and his wife Heidi of Charlotte. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jordan Berger of Gastonia, Kelsey and Connor Higgins of Charlotte, Brady, Riley and Delaney Berger of Charlotte, and Molly and Lucy Berger of Charlotte.



A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses that helped with her care. They would like to thank the staff at Huntersville Oaks and Hospice of Lake Norman for their compassionate care. A special thanks to nurse Debbie McDougle for the kind and loving care that she gave to our mother.



Online condolences may be made at harryandbryantfuneralhome.com.



Published in Charlotte Observer from August 29 to August 31, 2011