Jeanette Berger

Jeanette Berger, age 87, of La Grande and formerly of Bend, died Sunday, November 9, 2003 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. November 14, 2003 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mrs. Berger was born on January 18, 1916, the daughter of Milo and Joy (Stringham) Blanchard in Union. As a child the family moved to La Grande and in 1933 she graduated from La Grande High School. On November 28, 1935 she married Walter Berger in Grand Coulee, Washington. She worked for an attorney in Grand Coulee until they moved to Yakima where she also worked for an attorney for a short time. They later moved to the Seattle area and then purchased a hotel/resort in Hoodsport, Washington which she ran while her husband was serving in the military during World War II. After his honorable discharge they sold the resort and purchased the Bell Motel in Bellingham. They later moved to Portland and retired to Bend. After residing in Bend for 40 years they returned to La Grande five years ago.

Mrs. Berger was a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints. She was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter DK and a member of the La Grande Country Club where she was active with the bridge club. For twenty years they summered on their boat in Canada and Alaska. They enjoyed world traveling and skiing in Europe and the United States. She loved playing cards and was part of several card clubs. She also enjoyed knitting, reading, cooking and attending social events. She had a genuine love of life and doing anything and everything.

Survivors include her husband, Walter of La Grande; sons and daughters-in-law, Bill & Sharon Berger of Portland and Dick & Jody Berger of Caldwell, Idaho; grandchildren, John Berger of Delray Beach, Florida, Jen Wiley of Portland, Leslie Crist of Poulsbo, Washington and Kris Ellis of Coeur ‘d Alene, Idaho; five great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Two brothers preceded her in death.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Berger to the La Grande Public Library or the PEO Chapter DK Scholarship Fund in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850. The unedited obituary is available on line at www.danielschapel.com where friends may sign the guest book or leave a condolence.