Edith (Chestnut) Berkner

Edith Chestnut Berkner, formerly of Winter Park, FL, went home to be with the Lord on May 20, 2023, surrounded by family in Pearl River, NY. She was 95. Edith was born on July 13, 1927, in Sanford, FL, to Ivy (nee Harriett) and James Chestnut. She attended Sanford schools and received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Florida State University. Edith was a math teacher and guidance counselor in junior high and middle schools in Orange County, FL, including Cherokee, Howard, Lockhart, and Meadowbrook. In addition, she taught math at Valencia Community College. After retiring from the public schools, Edith became a math instructor at Downey Christian School, where she continued to work until nearly 85 years of age, teaching a total of 64 years and enjoying every day of it. Edith was a charter member of Maranatha Fellowship Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Winter Park, FL. Her church was very dear to her heart. She is predeceased by her brother, James Chestnut (Texas) and son, Glenn Berkner (Orlando) and survived by her son David Berkner, daughter in law Christine, three granddaughters Olivia and Kyra Berkner, and Madison Agovino (Vincent), and great-grandchildren Averie and Paxon. Edith is also survived by Luong Vu, who became like a son to her as a refugee in 1975. Together they worked to bring his extended Vietnamese family to the Orlanda area, all who call her “Mom” or “Grandma.” As grateful as they were for her help in relocating to a free country, she often remarked that this did more to enrich her own life than it did for the Vu family. Whether in her family, community, church, or schools, Edith lived a life of godly love and service that will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at 10 am Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Risen King Alliance Church, 190 New Hempstead Rd, New City, NY. A Florida service will be held later this summer TBA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christian and Missionary Alliance at http://secure.cmalliance.org/give/ or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate   John 13:34

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