Lisa Gay Berg

Lisa Gay Berg, a lifelong dancer, activist, and beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 16, 2025, at NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts. She was 81 years old, just one week shy of her 82nd birthday.

Born and raised in New York City, Lisa’s early passion for the arts led her to a successful career as a professional dancer. Her grace and discipline on stage were matched by the compassion and conviction she brought to her work as a human rights advocate. For 30 years, she served with Amnesty International, dedicating her life to promoting justice and defending human dignity around the world.

Lisa was widely known as one of the kindest and most generous people anyone could hope to meet. Her door was always open—literally and figuratively—and her home was a warm, welcoming place for friends, family, and even strangers who quickly became friends. Her presence made people feel seen, heard, and loved. She embraced people for who they were without judgement, a lesson of acceptance that she passed to her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Harway, and her son, Peter Skolnik, along with his wife, Suzanne. She was a devoted and adoring grandmother to four grandchildren: Gwen (19), Jeremey (19), Graham (13), and Remington (9). She is also survived by her loving sister-in-law, Eileen, and her nephews, Jeff, and Robbie, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

A memorial service in celebration of Lisa’s life will be planned at a later date.

In honor of her lifelong commitment to art, justice and human rights, donations may be made in her memory to Amnesty International or the Boston Conservatory.