Beth Winnik Berkson died on March 1 of pancreatic cancer. She was 59.
Berkson was born in Milwaukee. She graduated from Nicolet High School in 1965 and received degrees in music and elementary education from Washington University in 1969.
In addition to her work as an elementary school teacher, she was an adjunct faculty member at Harper College in Palatine, Ill.
When she wasn’t teaching, she was an active member of the Sherman Hospital board of directors, the president-elect of the Sherman Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the Fideliters Club, and a board member of the Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice and of the Well Child Center.
Although she was a member of Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin, Ill., she was confirmed and married at Congregation Shalom in Milwaukee. According to her family, she loved being a mother and giving back to her community.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Dr. Michael Berkson, of Elgin; sons Dr. Eric (Stephanie) Berkson of Boston, Adam (Daniella) Berkson of New York, Jeff (Kathleen) Berkson of San Diego, and Josh (Stephanie) Berkson of New York; mother Sondra Winnik of Bayside; sister Judy (Edward) Pendel of Chicago; brother Joel (Barbara) Winnik of Chevy Chase, Md.; brother Mitchell (Jan) Winnik of Toronto; and five grandchildren.
Rabbi Jonathan Kohn officiated at funeral services in Elgin on March 1.
The family appreciates memorial contributions to the Beth Berkson Neonatal Unit, Sherman Hospital, 934 Center St., Elgin, IL 60120.
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