Natalie Berg born August 22, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio died March 17, 2017. Her parents emigrated from central Europe to Cleveland and opened a dairy where Natalie worked after school and developed her strong work ethic. At Michigan State, she met her first husband, Irving. They moved to California, where he was stationed at Ford Ord, and she graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in economics. In 1967, Natalie began a long career in public education. She obtained her Doctorate in Education while raising her three children as a single mother. She held many instructional and administrative positions at City College of San Francisco, retiring as Dean at the John Adams Campus. Natalie was first elected to the San Francisco Community College Board in 1996, and went on to serve three terms as President. The culmination of her long service came with an appointment by Governor Brown to serve on the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. In addition to Natalie's commitment to public education, she was passionate about public service, mentoring young women, and developing training programs in the community colleges. Natalie's long tenure in politics began in 1964 as a volunteer on the campaign of her neighbor Willie Brown for Assembly. She was a founding member of the Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club, a Chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, and a delegate to state democratic conventions. When Natalie retired from City College at the age of 65, she began her second career in development working for Forest City. As the community liaison, Natalie was instrumental in creating the Westfield Center in San Francisco. She served on numerous boards and was selected as an Outstanding Women in Business four times, and honored multiple times by many civic and political organizations, including by Mayors of San Francisco. Natalie's greatest devotion was to her family, who surrounded her with love during the time of her passing. Natalie imparted strength, integrity, loyalty, and devotion. She was pre-deceased by her husband Peter Finnegan (who is certainly winking that she passed on St. Patrick's Day.) She is survived by her children, Jonathan (Nicole) of Jerusalem, Joanna (Dan Finkelstein) and Jenny (Ray Plumhoff), both of Oakland, her step-children, Stephen Finnegan (Sandy) and Allison Etchevery (John) of San Francisco, 12 grandchildren (Mindy, Eli, Aaron, Blumi, Bruchi, Akiva, Rina, Jason, Alex, Myles, Cara, Catherine), and 17 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Esther Meckler of Cleveland, her brother, Milton Katz of San Francisco and her brother-in-law Paul Finnegan (Rita) of Carmel Valley. She was pre-deceased by her sister Faye Ratner. Natalie lived with dementia for 6 years and died of cancer. She always retained her intense strength, ability to direct and organize, compassion, impeccable sense of style, high and beautiful cheekbones, and her steadfast caring. She will be missed but never forgotten, her mark has been deep and broad, and will live through her legacy. Services will be held at Congregation Beth Sholom 301 - 14th Avenue on Wednesday, March 22 at 1:00 pm. Donations can be made to: City College of San Francisco Foundation or to the National Council of Jewish Women (Center for Women and Girls.)