Lilie Berger, 92, of Northridge, CA passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 after a brief hospitalization due to a fall.
Lilie (Juei Chen) Berger was born on February 1, 1932 in Changhua City, Taiwan to Chin Chu Chen and Li Mu Lan. Lilie experienced the profound impact of World War II in East Asia during her childhood. As a young woman she worked for her brother's optical business and as a cashier at a US Military Post Exchange, where she caught the eye of a dashing US Military serviceman stationed in Taiwan, helping to re-build after the war. William (Bill) Berger (SGM ret) married Lilie in a civil union on November 7, 1953 in Taipei, Taiwan. Lilie then courageously left the comfort and familiarity of her country and family for the life of a US military wife, and the adventure of a lifetime!
Lilie traveled the world with Bill during his 25-year Army career with the Corps of Engineers. After an assignment in Japan, Lilie moved to the US with Bill where she converted to Catholicism. In order to have their marriage recognized under their faith, Lilie and Bill were married in a Catholic church in Rolla, Missouri on November 2, 1956. Lilie became a naturalized citizen of the United States on October 15, 1959 and quickly adapted to a US lifestyle. Lilie and Bill had four children, Jean Berger Eble (Joe) Kathleen Berger Galli, Francis Berger (Carol) and Michael Berger. Lilie learned to drive and independently manage children and a household, which became a necessity when Bill deployed to Viet Nam for two separate tours between 1968 and 1970. When Bill retired from the military in 1970, Lilie and Bill settled in Northwest Indiana where Bill taught Jr ROTC.
Upon Bill's death on January 4, 1987, Lilie moved to Los Angeles, California to be near family. She enjoyed a later-life career as a cashier and was well-liked by colleagues and customers. Due to the large Taiwanese presence in Los Angeles Lilie was able to reconnect with her Taiwanese roots. She enjoyed group travel and was always happy to try new experiences. Lilie was fluent in Taiwanese, Japanese and English. She was known for her excellent cooking, a passion embraced by all four of her children and many of her grandchildren. She had great love for family and children. She never met a baby she didn't want to hold and care for! During the last ten years of her life Lilie lived in an assisted living community in Los Angeles. There she had a reputation for being strong and feisty, and her family is eternally grateful to those who cared for her so wonderfully.
Lilie is survived by her four children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well as brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews in Taiwan. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Friends and Family may gather Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 9:00-9:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 204 Ohio Street, Wanatah, with a Funeral Mass beginning at 9:30 AM. Burial of ashes will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.
GUESTBOOK
Lilie was my favorite Aunt.....I enjoyed my time with her. Whether I was babysitting, or helping around the house, or later in years when she would come and visit and teach me her recipes. I miss her and my Uncle but take comfort in knowing they are together again in heaven. Love your niece, -Janice Patry
