Obituary of Marlea Rose Berninger

Marlea (Lea) Rose Berninger, 82, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2023, in Madison, NJ, surrounded by her adoring children. Lea was a selfless, kind person, who gave generously of herself to her beloved family, friends, and strangers alike.

Lea was born in Cleveland, OH, on March 31, 1941, to Anthony and Mary Sanson. She graduated from Shaker Heights High School and then earned her nursing degree at Georgetown University. She had a long and successful nursing career at Georgetown Medical Center and in clinic and private practice settings. For years during her retirement, she continued to be a hands-on, empathetic caregiver as a hospice volunteer. Her strong Catholic faith guided her in her service to others. 

Lea brightened the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was a careful listener, a wise advisor, and always had a way of reaching out to the person who needed it most. She was a voracious reader, enjoyed knitting and crocheting and traveling with her family, and cherished her constant feline companion, Joey. Lea’s beautiful spirit will be sorely missed by the many people lucky enough to have known her.

Lea is survived by her daughters, Michelle Berninger of Summit, NJ and Christine Alexopoulos of Morristown, NJ, her son, Steve Berninger of San Francisco, CA, her brother, Jeff Sanson, of Cleveland, OH, and her seven grandchildren, Claire, Grace, Drew, Ethan, Vivienne, Eme, and Mia. She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas Berninger, her identical twin sister, Pat Fritz, and her parents. 

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Catholic Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Atlantic Visiting Nurse (Hospice), 200 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.