KITTY HAWK — Ellen Berg, age 69, of Kitty Hawk, NC, died August 9, 2024, after a courageous, two-year battle with liver and pancreas failure. Ellen was born May 20, 1955, in Evanston, Illinois. After high school, she earned a nursing degree and worked in intensive care in Cook County, Ill.
After several years, Ellen migrated to Bethesda, MD, where she worked under Dr. Anthony Fauci at the National Institute of Health, caring for our nation’s earliest AIDS patients. Ellen provided excellent care for several years, but her loving spirit was no match for the horror of first diagnosis AIDS research. NO ONE SURVIVED!
In 1980, Ellen moved to Kitty Hawk, NC. Finding herself overqualified to nurse locally, Ellen took to the restaurant life. She worked at By George’s, Gandolf’s, and Kitty Hawk Pier, beginning as a waitress. Soon, however, Ellen’s cooking skills became legendary. Her most noteworthy kitchen stint was as Carlin Pearls’ “two-days-off-a-week” chef when that popular restaurant first took off.
Ellen met Victor Berg in 1984, and they married in 1984. Together, they owned and operated Outer Banks Waterfowl Guide Service (Est.1977). OBW is today one of the oldest and largest duck guiding operations in Dare and Currituck counties. In addition to business management, Ellen excelled as a woodworking artist with Vic for decades.
They showed their art in just about every Outer Banks art and East Coast decoy show since 1985. Ellen and Vic also conceived of and ran the “Starving Artist” Christmas show in their home for 32 years -sometimes hosting 200 to 300 guests in a single afternoon. All guests were treated to Ellen’s many delicious wild game recipes. What a spirit! She will be missed!
Ellen is survived by her husband, Victor, of the Kitty Hawk home; her son Jonathan of Florida; her two brothers, Ed (Linda) of Colington, NC, and Nick of Delaware; many extended family members; and countless friends.
Ellen’s directives for cremation will be honored. Plans are pending for Ellen’s September memorial celebration. Check for details and share condolences with the Berg family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
