Catherine Ertz-Berger

KATE Catherine Jane Ertz-Berger, 71, peacefully transitioned into her heavenly role on Tuesday March 17, 2020 at JFK hospital in Edison NJ, with her family beside her. Kate was born in East Greenbush, NY on November 1, 1948 to the late Frederick and Ann Ertz-Berger. Kate was the third of four children. Kate loved school, she loved to learn and did very well. In 1966 she graduated from Columbia High school in her hometown East Greenbush, NY. After highschool she went to Cornell University and graduated in 1970 with a bachelor degree in Philosophy and Mathematics . In 1970 Kate moved to Somerset, NJ through the VISTA (volunteer in service to america) program where she was placed with the Hamilton Park Youth Development program. It was there, where she acquired her niche for grant writing, discovered her passion for helping the youth, and met the love of her life, Ronald S. Copeland. In 1982 Kate and Ronald decided to relocate to California to begin a new life together and married in 1983. Kate started a non-profit organization, Contra Costa Child Care Council, which was a resource and referral agency in 1985. She was the Executive Director of the Contra Costa Child Care Council, for 28 years, until her retirement in 2013. In 2013 Kate and Ronald moved back to NJ to be closer to family. If you knew Kate, you knew how much family meant to her. She was always eager to host an event just to be with family and friends. Kate’s passions were her husband, her family, swimming and crafts. She and her husband enjoyed jazz music and attended all types of jazz events in California, NJ and jazz cruises. They enjoyed traveling together. Kate was predeceased by both parents, her sister Sara Damapolous, and her sister Mary Graves. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Ronald S. Copeland; her stepchildren Valencia Beauchamp, Ronald C Copeland(Alice Hollingshed); five grandchildren Tamara Johnson, Ronald J Copeland, Trae Beauchamp, Miguel Venegas, Brittany Beauchamp; twelve great-grandchildren; her brother, Charles Ertz-Berger; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.