Tolly Berger

Berger, Thelma "Tolly" (nee Tollefson) passed away peacefully on May 9, 2021 in the presence of her children. Born to Lars and Josephine Tollefson on January 25, 1922, she grew up with 9 siblings near Minot, ND, helping to raise the younger children after her mother passed when Tolly was twelve years old. Tolly received her RN from Northwestern Hospital in Mpls and continued her education at the University of Minnesota in public health nursing. She married Orvis R. Berger in 1948. They lived a full and loving life until his passing in 2007. Tolly's intelligence, warmth and kindness were known by all. She was a dedicated and caring nurse at Heritage of Edina for almost 40 years. Tolly volunteered for a variety of causes, including the Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church library, the MN Landscape Arboretum, and tutoring high school youth. Tolly was a devoted and much-loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Tolly and Orv inspired their children and grandchildren to pursue knowledge and education, and their generosity and support ensured that they could do so. They loved to host holidays and get-togethers, and family and friends looked forward to Tolly's cheerfulness, sense of humor and fabulous home cooking. As an adult, Tolly good-naturedly learned to ski, skate, sail, and golf so that the family could enjoy these activities together. Her home was a wonderful retreat for her grandchildren, and included sleepovers, favorite home-made food and malts, lefse-making, a treehouse, and costumes and props for annual holiday plays. Tolly enjoyed the life-long friendships she made through work, AAUW, church, and skiing, bridge, current event, writing and painting clubs. Her paintings grace her children's homes, her Christmas cards and even a book cover. She was an avid gardener and, as a result, her backyard was a beautiful gathering place for family and friends. Tolly is survived by her children Jo Berger (Peter Wattson), James Berger (Ann), Kathryn Berger (Ann Dillon), Nancy Greenwood (Allan); sister Lyla Siebold; brother Edward Tollefson; grandchildren Jill Berger (Sascha Hallstein), Julie Gish (Ryan), Ethan Anderes (Lloni), Dan Wattson (Mercedes Gutierrez), Stefan Anderes (Elise), Kate Wattson Wagle (Neil), Aaron Greenwood (Amy Hom), Allison Greenwood (Mitch Holmer), Emma and Anna Berger; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff at Pillars of Shorewood Landing and Grace Hospice for their compassionate care of Tolly in her final months. Memorial service on Saturday, June 12 at 2 PM at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church-West Campus, 7150 Rolling Acres Road, Victoria, MN. Reception will follow at the MN Landscape Arboretum. Private interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred in Tolly's name to the Minneapolis Park Board for a memorial bench at the Lake Harriet Rose Gardens. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Tolly Berger

January 25, 1922 - May 9, 2021

Tributes

Tolly Berger

January 25, 1922 - May 9, 2021

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203