Feb. 22, 1936 – Jan. 31, 2015

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend entered into eternal life on Jan. 31.

Maria is survived by her daughter and family Brigitte and Joe Hart; son and family Robert and Helga Berger; four grandchildren Jonathan Hart (14), Thomas Hart (16), Alex Berger (21), Brittany Berger (24); sister Emma Detomasi; nieces and nephews.

Maria was born in Brcko, Yugoslavia, grew up in Salzburg, Austria and moved to Los Angeles in 1955. Maria married in 1958 to Robert Berger and moved to La Crescenta in 1963. Maria was widowed in July 2013 after 55 years of marriage. Maria and Robert were well known members of Crescenta Valley as business owners of the Montrose Bowl for 34 years.

Maria lived a beautiful life shared with her family and friends. She studied dressmaking and pastry arts in Salzburg where she fell in love with cinema and music.  Her time in California was spent entertaining, baking, sewing and raising a family.  Her other activities also included dancing, driving, swimming, going to the beach and traveling throughout the United States and the world. She also enjoyed boating, waterskiing and snow skiing for many years. She loved being outdoors in the sun.  Maria was a people person and treasured spending time with friends and family.  Maria loved life.

Most of all Maria was known for her lovely smile and generous time she spent keeping in touch with so many people throughout the world. Her hospitality was unmatched and enjoyed, inviting friends and family to her home for any occasion and acting as a tour guide for many of her out of town guests. Her lasting friendships and relationships meant so much to her and everyone held a special place in her heart.

Rosary will be held at Crippen Mortuary Chapel, 2900 Honolulu Ave. in La Crescenta on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave., Montrose on Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.