Lee Berne, z”l, passed away of natural causes on Jan.7, 2024, surrounded by her four sons, four daughters-in-law, and several of her grandchildren. Lee was born in the Bronx in 1931 and grew up living in the same building as her parents (Louis and Edna Fenton, z”l), sister (Ronnie Wood, z”l), brother (Howie Fenton, z”l), and aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lee followed in her cousins’ footsteps as a cheerleader at James Monroe High School. 
Lee met the love of her life, Frank Berne, z”l, and they were married in 1953, shortly before they followed the rest of her family across the country to Portland, Oregon. After giving birth to her four sons, she was primarily a homemaker until she began 25 years of work at Standard Insurance. Lee and Frank worked hard, saved, and invested wisely, enabling them to pay off their mortgage, put their kids through college, and have enough for frequent trips to Lake Tahoe or Reno with their lifelong friends, Hy and Lilly Evans. 
Lee was one of the most upbeat, optimistic, positive, supportive, and loving people. Her smile would light up the room. She made sure everyone understood that a family member will always be a beloved family member and that nothing could or would break those bonds. Every new daughter-in-law was welcomed in and made to feel like a true daughter. Every toast was dedicated “To my bee-yoo-tee-ful family!” Lee would never allow anyone to say anything bad about any of her kids, each of whom was her favorite. And her family’s friends became her family as well - she was “everyone’s bubbe.” 
Lee is survived by her sons (Rick, Steve, Keith, Craig), daughters-in-law (Audrey, Peggy, Rosalie, Jan), grandchildren and their spouses (Aaron and Luisa, Alexa and Chris, Alisha and Cooper, Bridge and Fanny, Andrew and Lenora, Anna and Wes, Arielle and Jacob, Avi, Eli and Gina, and Rachel), and her great-grandchildren (Jenelle, Meri, Isaac, Grace, Lucy, Henry, Teddy, Aliza, Elyse, Kennedy, Violet, Milaya). Mom, we can finally get the last word – we love you more!