Louisa R. Berger 1944-2026
YOUNGSTOWN — Louisa Rae Berger, 81, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, librarian, lover of books, cats, being surrounded by family and playing Scrabble, passed away Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Born Dec. 5, 1944, in Oneonta, New York, Louisa graduated from Oneonta Senior High School in 1962. Louisa would then go onto her next steps at Barnard College to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. Her studies would continue when she would attend classes at the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied to receive her master’s in library sciences.
Louisa is survived by her children, Daniel M. Berger (Jill Sinatra) of Cranberry Township, Pa., and Emily Berger Larrier of Boardman, and her son-in-law, Brian E. Rinehart of Columbus. Louisa is also survived by three grandchildren, Elyssa R. Pallone, Zachary E. Larrier and Jason P. Berger; and two great-grandchildren, Michael J. Pallone III and Elena Rae Pallone.
Louisa was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Michael Lipari and Charlotte Lipari; brothers, Joseph B. Lipari and Michael S. Lipari; sister-in-law Elaine K. Ball; son-in-law, Damon E. Larrier; daughter, Barbara Ellen Berger; and husband, Dr. Martin E. Berger.
When Louisa and Martin moved to Youngstown, Louisa first found a position at YSU as a serials librarian from 1969-1970, to which she transitioned into the Youngstown Public Library. During her time at the library, Louisa Berger moved forward in her career, from reference librarian in the general reference department at the main library, to assistant supervisor of the information services department, to her final position as technology training specialist. She would continue to work there for 34 more wonderful years before retiring.
Louisa Berger was an active member in her community and in her church community, taking on different roles throughout the years at Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown.
She will be deeply missed and remembered by her family and friends.
“Icarus laughed as he fell, because he knew to fall is to have soared.”
Services will be 11 a.m. Jan. 20, 2026; the reception will be at noon afterward at the MVR.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown or to Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley Hospice House.
(special notice)