Peggy Sue Berger

Peggy Sue Berger, 86, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully at Westminster Canterbury on January 16 after graciously enduring two years of medical challenges. Peggy was best known, as many have put it, as "the most positive person I've ever met."

Peggy was born on February 11, 1938, to David Reid and Agnes Lillian Miller Berger of Goode, Virginia. After graduating from New London Academy, she earned a B.S. in home economics at Virginia Tech and an M.S. and Ph.D. in family economics and management at Penn State. She worked as a Virginia Extension Home Economist and then, after five years on the faculty of University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Peggy spent twenty-seven years as Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences at Colorado State University, Fort Collins and, upon retirement was awarded the title of Professor Emerita.

Professional appointments included service with the Cooperative State Research Service, USDA, in Washington, D.C., membership in Colorado's Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit, and appointment by Ford Motor Company to the Denver Disputes Settlement Board. She was president of the Colorado Home Economics Association and, with her sister and another colleague, created the Wiley-Berger Volunteer Service Award through the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences. Much to her surprise, her own education was broadened by serving as faculty advisor to the CSU men's hockey team—whose goal, as she understood it, was to "knock a little thing through the net at the end of the ice."

At retirement, Peggy moved to Lynchburg where she served on the boards of Free Clinic of Central Virginia, the American Association of University Women, and L'Arche Blue Ridge Mountains. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the AARP tax assistance program, the Free Clinic, and Westminster Canterbury.

Peggy's first commitment in Lynchburg was to her church, Peakland United Methodist, where she led or participated in multiple committees, started a prayer chain with another member, served as church librarian, and was trained as a Stephen Minister to provide one-on-one care to individuals experiencing a difficult time. Peakland members have loved her beautifully in return throughout her recent illnesses.

Peggy was a world traveler, having adventures with friends and family in many countries from Asia to Europe. She went out of her way to turn strangers into friends, including students, church members, neighbors and, especially, new residents at Westminster Canterbury. Peggy was deeply appreciative of the kindness and skill of Westminster staff that cared for her as a resident and patient.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents and her brother, David Crispin Berger. She is survived by her sister, Ida Berger Powell (William) of Lynchburg. Peggy's first niece couldn't manage "Aunt Peggy," so ever since, she has been dearly beloved "Peach" to nieces and nephews Susan Powell of Arlington, Mary Powell Vartain (Richard) of Annapolis, and John Powell (Sarah) of Ruckersville, as well as eight great nieces and nephews: Catherine Vartain Frilund (Henri), Lilly Vartain Williams (Jacob), Julie Vartain, Jesse Vartain, Michael Vartain, Madeline Powell, Lindsey Powell, Kenton Powell, and great-great niece Sophia Williams.

Services will be held at Peakland United Methodist Church on January 22, with family visitation at 10:00 AM and the funeral service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, where Peggy volunteered her time, expertise, and care.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.