Gloria B. Berman

Madison - Gloria B. Berman, age 83, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 5th, 2009. She was born in Baltimore, MD on April 27th, 1926, the second daughter of David and Sara (Checkett) Berlin.   Gloria moved to Madison with her husband Al and family in 1960. She fell in love with the natural beauty,   people, and progressive politics of Wisconsin. Gloria was active throughout her life in caring for the earth and the common person. Most recently, she sang with the Raging Grannies, volunteered at L'Chaim, and speculated on the best candidate for the upcoming Gubernatorial race. She loved walks around the marsh by her home, weekly trips to the Madison Farmers' Markets, spending time on her roof deck, and especially having time with family and friends. Gloria was an intrepid adventurer throughout her life, traveling all over Wisconsin and around the world. Just a few months ago she went on her own to Costa Rica, then to Colorado for her granddaughter's high school graduation. Gloria was passionate about environmental protection, women's rights, other issues of social justice and experiencing the wonders of the natural world.   Gloria received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science at Goucher College in Baltimore, MD. She worked here in Madison on a   Study on Ground Water, for the Wisconsin Humanities Committee,   in Appointments for Governor Tony Earl and as Volunteer Coordinator for the Near Eastside Coalition for Older Adults. Gloria volunteered for many political campaigns, from Eugene McCarthy and Paul Soglin to Barack Obama. She was active in the League of Women Voters, the Women's Political Caucus, worked for the Equal Rights Amendment, and other community organizations. Gloria was an active member of various environmental groups and worked on behalf of many environmental issues.     Gloria is survived by her sister, Lorraine Goodman of Columbia, MD, three children: Jean Martens of Loveland, CO, Tom (Sok Sun) Berman of Madison and Rabbi Marjorie Berman of Philadelphia, PA, a granddaughter, Nicky Martens of Loveland, CO and a   nephew, Robert Goodman of Atlanta, GA. She leaves behind relatives on her husband's side: two brothers in law, Howard (Debby) Berman and Joe Soley, and nephews Rob (Chase), Steve (Nicole) and John (Nanci) Berman, and David (Joanne), Richard (Isabel), Tim (Maria), and Jack Soley.   She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Al Berman (d. 1991), and a niece, Jane Goodman.   Memorial services will be held at 4 PM on Thursday, September 10th at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704. Phone: (608)246-4550. Shiva services will be held at the Berman home, 1014 Beloit Court, at the following times: Friday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and share memories of Gloria.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gloria to the Nature Conservancy, 633 West Main Street, Madison, WI 53703 or to Planned Parenthood, 111 King Street, Suite 23, Madison, WI 53703 or through their websites.