Margaret Jeanne "Peggy" Berko's Obituary
Margaret Jeanne Berko, known to everyone as Peggy, passed away on April 30, 2026, in Grand Haven, Michigan, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Born on January 6, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, Peggy grew up in Azusa and graduated in 1960 from Bonita High School, a place and a group of people that would remain close to her heart for the rest of her life.
After high school, Peggy attended Mt. San Antonio Community College before going to work at Aerojet Electrosystems in Azusa, where she served as a secretary. It was there that she met Russ Berko, and the two fell in love. They married on June 3, 1967, in Glendora, California, and settled in West Covina, where they would build their life together for more than five decades.
When their son Kevin was born in 1970, followed by their daughter Debbie in 1973, Peggy devoted herself fully to them as a stay-at-home mom. She poured everything into her family, creating a warm and loving home that, true to Peggy's style, always sparkled with her beloved crystal collections. Once the children were older, she returned to work, first at Community Health Projects Inc. and later at Charter Oak Unified School District, where she remained until her retirement in 2005.
Peggy always made everyone feel welcome. She was kind, organized, giving, and endlessly supportive. Some of her passions include reading and baking, especially around the holidays. She also loved working on jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, crafting, and telling stories about her younger years. She stayed connected to her Bonita High School friends through a monthly lunch group where they shared memories and laughter, a tradition she treasured deeply.
Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Russell, her father Roy Needs, her mother Marbeth Hartman, and her brother Thomas Needs.
She is survived by her son, Kevin (Barbara) Berko; her daughter, Deborah (Jeremy Jeffreys); her sister, Shirley Doerfler; and five grandchildren, Caleb, Camille, Carson, and Canaan Berko and Emma Jeffreys, all of whom were the light of her life.
Peggy devoted everything to her family, and their lives were richer because of her love. May she rest in the peace and the light that she so generously shared with others. A private memorial for family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harbor Hospice in Muskegon, or a local hospice facility near you. Arrangements entrusted to the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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