Donna Berger
Funeral services have been set for two people who drowned at Lake Chickamauga on Friday evening.
Donna Berger, 55, had jumped in after seeing a boy struggling in the water. Then, Mack Randall “Randy” Freeney jumped in after her.
Services for Ms. Berger will be Wednesday at 6 [p.m. at Lake Drive Baptist Church, 16221 May Road, Sale Creek. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. prior to the memorial service.
Funeral services for Mr. Freeney will be at noon on Thursday at the funeral home of Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel. Interment will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday and 11 a.m.-noon on Thursday at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel.
Ms. Berger is survived by her children, Zachary Berger, 13, and Zoe Berger, 12. Donna is also survived by Bill Berger to whom she was married for 25 years and her stepchildren, Jonathan Berger and Nicole Ferro. In addition she is survived by her mother, Barbara Williams, and her father, John Mondini. She is also survived by her sisters Annette Goodman (Steve), Susan Jenkins (Mike) and brother John Mondini (Joanne) and nieces and nephews.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after graduating from high school, she joined the post office, where she served for over 15 years. After she left the post office, she and her family relocated to Sale Creek. Her family said she described her years in Sale Creek "as the happiest of her life. She loved raising her children in a Christian environment and was so thankful to be surrounded by her wonderful friends and a loving church family at the Lake Drive Baptist Church. Donna was known by all for her incredibly friendly personality and an endless capacity for love and caring for everyone. She was always smiling and loved to laugh and be silly. She especially loved children – all children – and they loved her in return. Over the years, Donna and her husband Bill fostered over 90 children. Donna was a true angel on this earth and everyone who knew her felt her love. We are all grateful for the time we had with her as she blessed our lives, and we are heartened by knowing that she will continue to serve as God’s angel in Heaven."
Mr. Freeney was born in Trion, Ga., to the late Thomas and Maxine (McAbee) Freeney. He was retired from Iron Workers Local 704. He was an active member of Lake Drive Baptist Church and supported the ministries of the church both personally and financially.
Family members said, "He had a passion for missions and had made several missions trips. Everyone enjoyed his solos at church, even though he never considered himself a performer. Randy was a great golfer and loved Auburn football. He received the greatest satisfaction from serving and meeting the needs of others."
He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Teresa Freeney Bernard and Kathleen Freeney Savant, and his brother, Thomas Patrick Freeney. Survivors include his wife, Gloria Morelli Freeney; daughters, Donna Freeney Augustine (Anthony) and Aleta Freeney; five grandchildren, Aja, Jeannine, Celina, Phoenix, and D.J.; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and sister, Janet Freeney Morgan.
Randy Freeney