Dorothy M. Berry's Obituary
Dorothy Marie (Conner) Berry, 94, departed this life on May 29, 2018 at The Moorings at Lewes (formerly Cadbury) in Lewes, Delaware.
Born November 20, 1923, Marie was a lifelong resident of Washington County, MD, living in the Boonsboro area and in Hagerstown before moving to Cadbury in 2008. She was the younger daughter of David Unger and Emma Marie (Melown) Conner. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Charles R. Berry, and three siblings: Faustine Gindlesperger, Robert Conner and Warren Conner.
Marie had been employed by Fairchild Co. during WWII and was a member of the Homemakers Club at that time. When Charlie returned from WWII, the growing family moved to the country near Boonsboro, where they renovated an old house, raised their four children, cultivated large vegetable and flower gardens and became part of the community. While their children attended Boonsboro schools, she and Charlie were active members of the PTA.
As a longstanding member of nearby St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lappans, she was a member of the Altar Guild and served on the Vestry, including a term as Senior Warden. While living in Lewes, Marie attended St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Marie was a member of the Precious Stones Bowling League, the Hagerstown Garden Club and the Weavers Roundtable. She was an ardent supporter of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and a devoted volunteer. She enjoyed a number of hobbies, including gardening, flower arranging, playing cards with friends, attending musical events, caning chairs, quilting and weaving, an activity for which she won numerous awards and ribbons. Marie created beautiful textiles, many of which she gifted to family and friends. She was an excellent cook and quite a few of her recipes are still used by her children. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, spending time in Florida during the winter months and taking trips throughout the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as to Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal.
Known as “Coach” to many of her friends, she enjoyed socializing and was always open to new adventures and experiences. After her husband’s death, she enrolled in several college classes, learned to use the computer and traveled on her own to England, Scotland, Wales, Russia, Sweden, Peru, the Galapagos Islands and the Holy Land. She joined Facebook in her 80s and took pleasure in viewing photos of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marie loved her church, St. Mark’s, and remained active for many years, enthusiastically volunteering for any and all fundraising activities. Whether helping with pancake suppers or making soup, baked goods, and crafts for the Christmas Bazaar, she could always be counted on to devote many hours toward their success. Marie had a great sense of humor, a hearty laugh, a generous spirit and an open and loving heart. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
Surviving her are her four children and their families: Donna Berry Hankinson and husband David of Christiansburg, VA; Michael Berry and wife Kathy of Austin, TX; Stephen Berry of Ocean View, DE; and Carolyn Berry Clipp and husband Gary of Bethany Beach, DE. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Scott Berry and Mark Berry, Michelle Berry Kaps, Bryan Berry and Brittany Berry Newhouse, Emily Clipp Rincon and Adam Clipp; ten great-grandchildren: Blanca Berry, Madeleine and Allison Berry, Samantha and Alexandra Kaps, Raul, Gabriel and Carmen Rincon, and Bella and AJ Clipp. Also surviving her are six nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 23, 2018 at The Historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 18313 Lappans Rd., Boonsboro, MD. The Rev. Anne O. Weatherholt will officiate. The final resting place will be at St. Mark’s.
Immediately following interment, the family will receive friends at a reception at St. Mark’s Fellowship Center.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 18313 Lappans Road; Boonsboro, MD 21713.
Please sign the online guestbook located on this site.
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