Centa Berger

Centa Berger (nee Mair) of Pelham Manor, New York passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 19, 2022. Centa was 93 years old, two weeks shy of her 94^th birthday and had been living with Alzheimer’s for the last eight years. Born in Augsburg, Germany to Sebastian and Maria Mair; she was the youngest of six children. 

After her training in childhood education, Centa emigrated to New York City in 1952 where she was engaged as a nanny for the Ford family, eventually leading her to work at the well-known modeling agency. Jamie, Katie, Lacey and Bill Ford truly were her first family in the United States.  

During this time, Centa met her husband, Hermann, at a mutual friend’s wedding. She found the love of her life, and they married in 1966.  Maria, their only child, was born shortly thereafter. Centa’s strong work ethic and importance of family permeated their lives together.

Centa had many talents, including an enviable green thumb. But above all else, Centa’s kitchen was the heart of the home, and she was happiest when she was cooking for others. Her Christmas cookies and homemade soups were legendary. Needless to say, her home was a popular gathering place for family and friends with frequent late night dinner parties.

In 2003, Centa moved with Hermann to Pelham Manor to be closer to their precious grandchildren, allowing her to spend even more time with them. She thrived in her new community, making many new friends and becoming active at the Senior Center in Pelham. 

Centa will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, relative and friend. As much as she will be dearly missed, her family finds comfort in the many treasured memories she leaves behind.

Centa is survived by her daughter, Maria and son in law, Soren, her grandchildren, Helena, Bayden and Camden, her goddaughter, Sylvia, as well as nieces, nephews, and friends. She is predeceased by her husband, Hermann and five siblings.

A celebration of Centa’s life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, NY on Saturday, October 15 2022 between the hours of 1:30 and 4:30pm. There will be a remembrance of her life at 3:30pm.   For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of Mt Vernon Animal Shelter (friendsofmvas@yahoo.com).

You can either mail a check to: Friends of Mt. Vernon Shelter Animals, Inc.,333 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605 or via paypal.