Dr. Helen Therese Berg Fish, 81

Dr. Helen Therese Berg Fish

With heavy hearts but countless memories, our mother, sister, published author, educator, and friend, Dr. Helen Therese Berg Fish (81), passed away peacefully in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by love on May 27, 2025.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Helen graduated from Holy Angels in Richfield in 1962. Her passion for education led her to earn a BS in Primary Education in 1965 with high distinction, she belonged to the Pi Lambda Theta honor sorority for education majors. She earned an M. Ed from Brenau University and an Educational Specialist Degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia.

Helen dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and was recognized throughout her fifty-year career for her achievements. She taught over 750 children to read. She would describe the moment a child could read as her proudest and most joyful moment because she knew it would spark the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Helen began teaching in 1966 at Richfield Public Schools, followed by positions at Mankato,  Janesville, WI, and other locations throughout the Midwest; before joining Gainesville City Schools, GA, from 1986-2013. Helen held various positions in education including Adjunct Professor at Brenau University in Georgia from 1987 to 2014 and in 2008 received the Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award for “Most Outstanding Professor.” She taught 24 undergraduate and graduate literacy courses and supervised 28 student teachers. She authored several books and manuscripts. She also served as Professor at UGA and Brenau University. She concluded her career at St. Anne's Catholic School in Bristol, VA, where she taught her grandchildren until her 2015 retirement.

Helen's joy extended beyond the classroom. A devoted Catholic, she centered her life around her children, instilling the same strength and compassion that defined her character. She loved to run, she won several 5K road races for her age group, and loved to be outside and tend to her rose garden. Her warm hugs, unwavering "I love you’s” and care for others created a circle of love that touched all who knew her.

 Helen is survived by her children: Dr. Eric James Fish (Garieann), Angela Fish Zambito (Vincent), and Christine Ann Fish-Theriault (Frédéric); her grandchildren: Ryan, Lauren, Leo, Sophia, and Amélie; her loving siblings: Dr. John Berg (Ann), Paul Berg and Lisa Berg; her step-daughter Lisa Gibson (Erik) along with Tanner and Callie (Robert), close friends and the larger Berg & Fish Families. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Therese Berg, niece Katie Berg, sister-in-law Mary Lee Berg, and stepson Brandon Fish. Helen's legacy lives on in every child she taught to read, every life she touched with kindness. She will always be in our hearts.

Visitation services Wednesday, June 11 at 4 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home, 1838 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Nokomos Park and one hour prior to funeral service on Thursday, June 12. Funeral service will be on Thursday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 5426 12th St, Mpls. Burial will follow at Lakewood Cemetery.