Janet (nee Leber) Berka, 50, formerly of Forest Park, died on Dec. 12, 2025 in South Carolina. She attended Garfield School, and graduated from Forest Park Middle School, then IHM High School in Westchester. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Sound Engineering, she continued her education, earning a master’s degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University. She taught special education in Chicago and Greenville, South Carolina.
For over six years, she bravely fought breast cancer going through numerous operations, chemo and radiation treatments. Throughout her treatments, she continued giving her children meaningful experiences they will always remember. She began a running program for elementary-school boys and girls at her children’s school in Greenville. The “Run Hard” program became so popular, a waiting list to join was necessary. Throughout her years of cancer treatments, she ran numerous 5K, 10K and half marathons. In 2024, she completed a full 25K marathon in Jacksonville, Florida. She was an inspiration to all.
Janet is survived by her husband, John Berka; her children, Alden and Claire; her parents Clifford and Joanne (nee Lambke) Leber of Forest Park; her brother Brian Leber; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Sue Berka.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in South Carolina.
