Lori Berger

Lori Alice Berger, 63, passed away on October 28 at Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas, after a brief illness.  She was born on September 24, 1959, in Weimer, Texas, the daughter of Robert Mica and Juanita (Smith) Benzer.

Lori graduated from Flatonia High School in 1978, as an active member of the school’s marching band, golf team and Future Farmers of America.  Following graduation, she dedicated her life to her family, several successful local businesses, her community, and public service; she called Flatonia home for 63 years.

Lori was honored to serve as a member of the Flatonia City Council and to serve as Mayor of Flatonia from 1998 to 2006.  Lori also served on the boards of Fayette Memorial Hospital, and St. Marks Hospital.  She was co-chair of Flatonia Czhilispiel and parade marshal of Czhilispiel 47.  She was a member of the Flatonia ISD Education Foundation and Flatonia Chamber of Commerce.  She was co-owner of Smith Farms, Incorporated in Flatonia.  She was also the previous co-owner of the Wishing Well and, more recently, the Wine Haus restaurant on Main Street.  She worshipped at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flatonia.

Her civic engagement reached beyond Flatonia and Fayette County.  Lori was a member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Committee, and she served on several regional and state commissions overseeing critical issues affecting rural communities, such as water, energy and economic development.

She was appointed to the Capital Area Regional Review Committee by Governor Ann Richards in 1992 and reappointed by Governor George W. Bush to another term in 1996. In 2005, Governor Rick Perry appointed Lori to the State Community Development Review Committee. In 2009, she was appointed by Governor Perry to the board of the influential Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), and she was reappointed to that position by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015.  She continued to serve until retiring from LCRA in January of 2022.  During her time on the board, she chaired the Community Development Committee.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her grandparents Alice and Carl Smith and Francis and Edward Mica.  She is survived by her three children, Travis Berger and wife Paige of Johnson City, Erin (Berger) Faulkner and husband John of San Antonio, Wade Berger and wife Kristen of San Antonio; her grandchildren Jolie Berger, Brady Berger, Zachary Berger, Milam Berger, Everett Berger and Nila Berger; her siblings Darrell Mica and wife Peggy of Austin, Rhonda (Mica) Arvantias and Jeff of Bartonville and Carl Mica and wife Tara of Austin; her niece Natalie Mica; and many beloved cousins.

A Holy Rosary service will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, November 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 516 Faires Street, Flatonia.  A Catholic funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 11am on Wednesday, November 2, with burial to follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery Mausoleum in Flatonia.  Those who wish to remember Lori and her generosity of spirit may make gifts in her memory to the Flatonia ISD Education Foundation, PO Box 1098, Flatonia, TX 78941.

“Flatonia offers the best of both worlds, with the look and feel of a small community and unlimited potential for future growth and development. Come visit Flatonia and let us show you how hometown values can co-exist with business expansion and, together, provide a richer way of life.” – Former Mayor Lori Berger

Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralhometx.com

Smith Funeral Home-128 E. 5th Street Flatonia, Texas  78941          Phone #-361-865-3311

**********PLEASE ORDER FLOWERS FROM A LOCAL FLORIST**********

.