Obituary for Sorel Berger
Sorell Berger, a beloved preschool teacher, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in hospice on October 25, 2024, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. Born June 1, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, Sorell lived a life of remarkable life of optimism, joy, and generosity that touched all who knew her. Raised in Floral Park, New York, she lived in Jericho, New York for 55 years before moving to Florida to be near her middle daughter, Susan.

Sorell's educational journey began at Sewanhaka High School, where she was the only
Jewish student, sparking a strong Jewish identity. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education and psychology from Queens College.
Her passion for nurturing young minds found a lasting home at Robin Hood Country Day School, where she taught preschool for 42 years and eventually served as Assistant Director. Her commitment to her community extended beyond the classroom and included
serving in leadership roles in NA'AMAT USA and the Jericho Jewish Center.

Known affectionately by her family as "the most optimistic person on the planet," Sorell's positive spirit was legendary. Each morning, she filled her three daughters' rooms with the cheerful tunes of "Rise and Shine" or "If You're Happy and You Know It," her presence lighting up even the darkest days. "I always see sunshine when I wake up," she would say, regardless of the weather.

Sorell's love of her Jewish heritage and everything Yiddish was nurtured by attending Yiddish school. She also found love twice, meeting her first husband, Leonard, "her knight in shining armor" at a dance at 21 when he rescued her after her shoe broke. After his
death, she found love again at synagogue, marrying her second husband, George Balaban,
whom she and her family cherished deeply.

Her social circle extended beyond family and school and was evidenced by the countless weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other gatherings to which she was invited. Long before the advent of cell phones and social media, Sorrell had her own "broadcasting" technology - a kitchen phone with an extra-long cord that reached into every corner of the house, keeping her connected to loved ones, friends, and neighbors in her extended circle. Sorell loved talking on the phone, and as her first husband Lenny, would observe, "Girls, your mother is broadcasting."

Sorell was not immune to pedestrian delights. A lover of shopping, she would sometimes keep her daughters home to accompany her to the mall. In later years, she was a regular at Chico's, one of her favorite stores.

Sorell's vibrant personality was matched by her expertise about colleges, summer camps, Jewish culture, and Long Island's best restaurants. Her family lovingly dubbed her shared wisdom "Sorell Says."

Sorell's generosity, kindness, optimism, and boundless energy remain her greatest legacy. She inspired those around her to live fully, love deeply, and greet each day with joy. Her daughters, grandchildren, and friends remember her as their North Star, guiding them with warmth and compassion.

Sorell is survived by her daughters Amy Berger (Glen Nager), Susan Berger, and Lisa Mayron (Charles Mayron), her five grandchildren—Laura Harris, Leland Mayron, Sarah Borns, Jared Mayron, and Austen Mayron—and her great-grandchildren Marcel Harris, Emile Harris, and
Charles Mayron.

Her family invites donations in her memory to NA'AMAT USA.