Alva Marie Burger, 99, formerly of Mantua Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, in the Christian Health Care Center, Wyckoff, N.J. Family members and staff had observed her 99th birthday the day before.
Born in Philadelphia on January 5, 2016, to John and Bertha (Miller) Hess, Alva was the widow of Edwin Raymond Burger, Sr., and a homemaker most of her life. She and her late husband traveled extensively, taking cross-country road trips to California, excursions to Florida, Virginia, Niagara Falls and many other mainland United States locations, as well as cruises to such destinations as Hawaii, the Philippines, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Barbados, and Venezuela, among others. They enjoyed many vacations over the years to Atlantic City, from family beach and pier visits in their younger and middle years to, as the resort evolved, enjoying the casinos and shows in their senior years.
Alva formerly was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Pitman Chapter No. 57, which honored her in 1982 for 25 years’ service. She also was a former member of the Mantua Methodist Church.
Surviving are her son Raymond Alva Burger, Sr. (Michelle) of Mantua Township; seven grandchildren: Sheree Watson (William), Stroudsburg, Pa.; Edwin Burger III (Constance), Wenonah; Frank Burger Sr. (Yan), of Clermont, Del.; Mark Burger (Patricia) Wenonah; Susan Smith (Gary), Gloucester Township; Thomas Burger (Valerie), Pitman; and David Burger (Anneli), Glassboro. Also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Alva is predeceased by her sons Edwin R. Burger Jr., mayor emeritus of Wenonah, and his wife, Jean, and, Jon Burger of Cape May and his wife, Lois; her grandchildren, Raymond A. Burger Jr., Jon W. Burger, Gary T. Burger, and Lisa R. Hofer; her great-grandson, Daniel Burger Angelotti; and her brother, John Hess of California.
Services will be 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, in the SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Main Street, Mantua, N.J., where friends may call after 11:30 a.m. The Rev. Douglas Baitinger will preside. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Christian Health Center Center Foundation Department, 301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, N.J. 07481.