Deanna Joy Berman (Nana), 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 5, 2025. It was 2am, a time when she could usually be found sketching, reading, enjoying a jazz club, or having just returned home from an exciting event in her beloved city, still eager for a nightcap with friends.

Born on the North Side of Chicago, her family included parents, Frannie and Sol Mintz, and younger brother, Sandy. By the early age of nine, Deanna had already developed a curiosity for the Arts, and began riding the bus downtown to take classes at the Chicago Art Institute. For her 16th birthday, all she wanted was a Lifetime Membership to the museum—a gift she received, and used throughout her life, for the bargain, one-time price of $99.

At age 20, Deanna married her college sweetheart, the late Mel Berman. Together, they built a loving family in Northbrook, where they raised their three children—Dana, Jodi, and Jay. While Mel traveled weekly as a salesman, Deanna held down the fort. From being the only house in the neighborhood to give out candy apples for Halloween, to planning a party at a burger joint and sandwiching the invitations between two hamburger buns, she mothered unconventionally— always favoring the whimsical over the ordinary. Though she was never punctual, and often lost track of time due to her jam-packed schedule, Deanna always made sure there was a home-cooked dinner for her family gathered around the table each night.

In tandem with raising children, Deanna pursued many interests, studying painting, architecture, and art history, parlaying these passions into design projects along the way. At age 40, she took a leap, launching Deanna Berman Design Alternatives from a corner desk in her suburban bedroom. Her career as an interior architect evolved over four decades, with a diverse portfolio spanning gallery spaces, private residences, restaurants, and even the transformation of a renovated gas station. 

Never content to stand still, nor afraid of change, Deanna reinvented herself many times. At age 52, after she and Mel had parted ways, her life flourished downtown, where she became reacquainted with the late Sidney Garber, who would become her husband of 18 years. Together, they explored much of Europe and Asia, sourcing for her business and his fine jewelry store. When at home, she was the consummate entertainer, loving nothing more than bringing people together, be it family, friends, or strangers. The eclectic mix of people she assembled included those that were often decades younger, as her zest for life transcended age. 

Following Sidney’s passing, Deanna entered a new chapter with Mark Stone, who would become her loving companion for 15 years. The two eagerly explored over 40 countries together, from Morocco to Cambodia to Sudan, guided by a shared passion for art and architecture. As life carried on, Deanna remained bold—never afraid to speak her mind, rearrange a room, or take the scenic route up Lake Shore Drive, whether you had time for it or not. Her wardrobe was impeccable, trademarked by her never-ending scarf collection that served as mementos from past adventures. When asked to name a favorite place or experience, her answer was always the same—whatever’s next.

Radical by choice, Deanna engaged in social causes that mattered to her, including helping raise funds to install bulletproof windows at Planned Parenthood locations around Chicago and supporting Embarc, an organization transforming education through experiential learning. One grandson remembers bumping into her at the Women’s March in 2017; and some time after, she threw herself a Ruth Bader Ginsburg-themed 80th birthday party.

When wandering through the world, her stamina often left her companions, particularly her seven grandchildren, asking for a break. Whether at the opera, theater, or symphony, she enjoyed these outings multiple nights a week, after putting in a full and rewarding day of work. One of her journal entries, dated 1976, reads: “I am screaming inside when a piece of art, or a building, or jazz, or a writer reaches me and shows me through their art what their questions are, and what answers they have [or have not] arrived at.” 

At age 85, she took her final international trip to see the Monet & Joan Mitchell exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. The experience recharged her soul, and she was proud to return with new ideas and a box of Henri Roche pastels, the oldest pastel manufacturer in the world. In her last few weeks of life, she remained actively engaged in the creative process, determined to complete what would be her final design project.

Deanna leaves behind three children and their spouses— Dana Sanders (George), Jodi Berman (Jeffrey Schwam), and Jay Berman (Michele); seven grandchildren and their spouses Jordan and (Jessica), Ben, Abby and (Reily), Becca, Sam, Ellie, and Josh; and four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Louis, Stella, Caleb.

The Berman-Sanders-Schwam families would like to thank Deanna’s compassionate caregivers—Joy, Lystra, Noi, and Nomei—the dedicated doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and the supportive staff at Water Tower Place, who treated Deanna like family throughout her 30 years of calling #4407 home.

Per her wishes, charitable donations can be made in her honor to the Shalom Center of Kenosha. She was an avid supporter of this organization dedicated to serving families and individuals in need of shelter.