About Brenna

Brenna Ilana Berger (May 28 1969 - November 15, 2010) meant so much more to her family than we can write here or ever explain in words. We miss her so much.

Brenna was a thoughtful granddaughter, loving daughter, and amazing sister.  She touched everyone she knew with her kindness and open heart, never judgmental but always offered to help anyone in need. Her dedication to children and education will live strong in the Brenna Berger Adath Israel Preschool.

When Brenna was young she was brought to Adath Israel by her grandparents and Holocaust survivors, Morris and Tosia Szames. Morris and Tosia were early members of Adath Israel. Brenna was a happy child and loved to play with the other children in the social room. She always asked her grandparents to take her back again and again. She made many lifelong friends in the social hall at Adath Israel. One of those friends became her college roommate.

Born May 28, 1969 in Anaheim, California to her adoring parents Robert and Esther Berger. She grew up in Belmont, attended Carlmont High School where she excelled in soccer and cheerleading, and even taught many classmates her outstanding skills. Her sister, Melany was ten years younger but despite the age difference, they were always very close. Brenna majored in Communication at the University of Arizona and was active in Sigma Kappa sorority. She loved learning, going to school and being a student. She earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Arizona and later a Masters Degree and Pupil Personnel Services Credentials from the University of San Francisco.

Brenna moved to Los Angeles and worked in the music business. Music was a huge part of her life. Tosia Szames provided her granddaughters a home in Beverly Hills where they lived with their Cocker Spaniel, BJ. Brenna nicknamed BJ her “sentinel” watching over her in sickness and in health. Brenna and Melany were inseparable, true best friends who shared countless unforgettable memories together. After working in the music business, Brenna decided to pursue her interest in education and became a counselor in the L.A. School District where she dedicated herself to At-Risk Students. She worked long tireless hours to give at-risk kids a reason to dream and stay in school, providing each and every one of her students with love, support, and guidance.

Her memory will live on forever with the children of the Brenna Berger Adath Israel Preschool. She was a fighter, just like her Holocaust Survivor grandparents. Brenna Berger wanted students to persevere and continue in their education always dreaming for something bigger and better in life.

She is deeply missed.