Sherry Kirschner Berz
Sherry Kirschner Berz, February 3, 1951- March 6, 2025, died at the age of 74 from complications following a stroke. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by everyone and everything she loved, as was her wish.
David Berz, Alexander Berz, Douglas Berz, Sherry Berz, at Douglas’s Bar Mitzvah in Jerusalem, mid 90’s.
In addition to myself and my husband Charles Weintraub, she is survived by her husband of 54 years, David; her sons Douglas and Alexander; her brother- and sister-in-law, Neal and Linda Berz; and their children Sarah, Micaela, and Charlie. She was the cherished daughter of the late Herman and Toby Kirschner, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia and Poland, respectively, settling in New York in the late 1930s.
Marilyn and Sherry are all dressed up and have nowhere to go: 1950’s.
Sherry was the strongest, most exceptional woman I’ve ever known. As sisters, we shared a very special bond. Born and raised in New York City, Sherry pursued her artistic talent early, attending the High School of Music and Art. She continued this pursuit at the Museum of Modern Art and the Corcoran School in Washington, D.C.
My stylish sister Sherry’s wearing a ponyskin coat from Henri Bendel and Gucci loafers circa 1960s
While studying at the Corcoran, she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Speech Pathology and Audiology from George Washington University, where she was awarded a fellowship for her graduate studies.
Sherry’s husband David and I were members of the class of 1970. We both received our BA’s that year while my brother-in-law was a graduate of the GWU law school where he received his JD in 1973.
In 1992, they established the David R. and Sherry Kirschner Berz Fund for Religious Studies at GWU, which supports the activities of the Department of Religion to enrich undergraduate and graduate programs. In 1997, they established the David R. and Sherry Kirschner Berz Endowed Dean’s Discretionary Fund to meet the school’s most pressing needs.
Sherry’s artwork decorates the walls of her home.
A gifted artist, devoted family member, and dedicated community volunteer, Sherry’s life was marked by creativity and an enduring commitment to making the world more beautiful. Sherry’s artwork was featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries throughout Washington, D.C., and is included in private collections and publications.
Her passion for art extended beyond her personal work. For over twenty years, she was a docent at the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum, where she shared her love and knowledge of art with countless visitors.
Faith Ringgold & Sherry Kirschner
Sherry and David are dedicated art collectors. I remember Sherry meeting Faith Ringgold (October 8, 1930 – April 13, 2024) at the ACA Gallery in Chelsea. She could not stop talking about how incredible this woman was. Sherry and David subsequently purchased one of Faith’s paintings, which is proudly displayed in one of their art-filled homes.
David and Sherry wearing Valentino, 2001
A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in 1967 resulted in ongoing health problems, one more serious than the next. Sherry never complained, and she never let them define her. If anything, it intensified her love for and appreciation for life. Sherry lived life to the fullest and soaked it all in. All her senses were heightened.
Identically dressed as bridesmaids, 1950’s.
Art informed everything she did, from travel and architecture to interior design, food, and fashion. There was no question we were related. Just 18 months my junior, Sherry and I sounded and looked alike, and as little girls, we were often dressed alike. Our father was a clothing manufacturer, and we frequently had our coats made by a tailor. We got a taste of haute couture early on.
Toby and Herman Kirschner, late 1940’s.
We inherited our love of fashion from our parents, who were not only movie stars but impeccably dressed for every occasion. They taught us that fashion has to do with decorum, self-respect for yourself, and others.
Sherry Kirschner Berz, Marilyn Kirschner, Charles Weintraub, Neil Weintraub, June 2005.
Sherry and I had similar loves and tastes and shared an eye for design and detail, but she had her own unique look. Unsurprisingly, much thought was put into Sherry’s outfit for burial. As a number of her friends noted, she was so innately stylish that it would be impossible not to factor that in, even at this somber moment.
As my greatest supporter, I know Sherry would undoubtedly love whatever I chose to wear in her honor in those last hours, but I put myself together, adding a necklace Sherry gifted me and a Chanel bag that belonged to her.
An avid tennis player, golfer, and New York Yankees fan, Sherry prioritized uninterrupted viewing of major sporting events. Sherry was dedicated to her synagogue, Washington Hebrew Congregation, where she served on the Arts Committee and contributed to the redesign and renovation of the main sanctuary, among other things.
Sherry’s commitment to her community was unwavering. She took on leadership roles on the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (now Breakthrough T1D) and served as President of the American Friends of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Israel. Her contributions to these organizations left a lasting impact on the communities they served.
Her vibrant spirit, artistic talent, and profound love for family, friends, and community will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her. For me, there is no replacement.
Latest Comments
My fave is the Gorski. Best look and function to me!
A Marvelous Tribute to IRIS, a one-of-a-kind work of art!
You beautifully, tastefully, and rightfully said it all. I do think Melania’s Adviser Herve Pierre influences her choices.
Fascinating article–fascinating man! Thanks, Marilyn!
LOVE all of this. Thank you, Marilyn. <3