Obituary of Laura Berger

            It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of Laura Berger, who passed away on February 28^th, 2024, in Randolph, New Jersey.

            Laura was born to Steve and Dena Gaynor in May of 1947 in Paterson, new Jersey, and she was raised in Passaic alongside her brother, Avrum. Laura eventually went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Education from Kean University, and she used her education to become a teacher in the Passaic School District. She served as an elementary school teacher for many years, constantly striving to foster knowledge and curiosity in the young minds that she instructed. On top of her career, Laura also dedicated time to volunteering for the Hearing Loss Association of America in the Westchester Chapter, as well as volunteering for the American Red Cross. Her time in the Red Cross would go on to place her as an aid in the Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts; a task that many would have shied away from, but not Laura. She was a fighter, through and through, and had so much passion for caring for others that she would go to amazing lengths to help someone in need.

            After decades of commitment to the pursuit of education, Laura retired and filled her time with the things that she loved. She had a deep love for animals, and in addition to regular donations to 11^th Hour Rescue she would foster many animals. Laura also had a knack for photography. All throughout her life, Laura took pictures. She documented the many places she travelled and the people she met, and now her family has been gifted a beautiful way to learn more about her, even after her passing. Although Laura may have retired, that does not mean that her life slowed down at all. Laura was always very active and even earned herself a black belt in the art of Tae Kwon Do, and began a second career as a massage therapist; still finding ways to care for others even in her retirement.

            To all those who knew her, Laura Berger will be remembered as a kind and caring woman with an open heart, full of care and compassion for all. It is now that we look to those who passed before her to carry on her legacy of kindness and generosity. Laura’s survivors include her beloved daughter, Ilyse Boyett nee Berger and her husband Brian, her grandsons, Dillon and Cameron Boyett, her brother, Avrum Gaynor, her nieces, Moriah and Tess Gaynor, as well as a wealth of friends and neighbors who will miss her dearly.  

            If you would like to contribute to Laura’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to either the 11^th Hour Rescue or the Alzheimer’s Association. Memorial donations can be made via inmemof.org.

             Hours of public visitation for Laura are scheduled for Tuesday, March 5^th from 5 to 7 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services. A Graveside Funeral Service will be held the following day, March 6^th at exactly 11:30 AM at Beth El Cemetery, Paramus, NJ. For all those meeting at the cemetery, please arrive 5 minutes early and proceed to the cemetery office for directions to the gravesite. Please leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Laura’s light shine!