Norma Berkowitz

Norma Jeanne Berkowitz, 92, passed away Friday, January 14, 2022. She was born in Beaver Falls, PA on May 3, 1929, to the late Robert Earl Philip and Essie (Berry) Philip.

After returning from England, where she worked for two years, Norma married, UW Vilas Professor of Psychology, Dr. Leonard “Len” Berkowitz in December 1975. Together, they enjoyed a great deal of travel. Len preceded her in death in 2016.

Norma worked as an associate professor of Social Work at the UW until her retirement. She was most proud of her work with Friends of the Children of Chernobyl USA (FOCCUS), and she made several trips to Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. She received a Millennium Award from the Department of State for her work in the three countries mentioned and was also honored by the United Nations.

She will be dearly missed by her sons, Warren (Paula) Nesbitt of Sunset, SC, and David (Karen) Nesbitt of Winchester, VA; grandsons Brant (Erin McGill) Nesbitt and their children Brooks and Ella, of Ashburn, VA, and Andrew Nesbitt of Nashville, TN; and stepdaughters, Marti and Phyllis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and tragically her sister, Constance, and her three children in a car crash in the early 1960’s and later Constance’s only surviving daughter, Debra, due to a car crash in the 1990’s.

A celebration of life is being planned for her 93rd birthday (5/3/2022), in Madison. Location to be determined.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

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