Obituary of Marjorie Claire Berry

War Bride, ESWIC club, Woodroffe United Church, and Eastern Star

Mother spent her last days as she spent her life, surrounded by friends and family at her home of the last 16 years. She was to the end, smiling, and offering her hand and her heart to all around her. Everyone at Redwoods knew her as the friendliest person.

Before Redwoods she lived in Woodroffe and was known as someone who stood at her kitchen window and waved to one and all as they passed by. She was also known for her baking contributions to various causes.

Marjorie was born in London England, the 2nd child of Wm Frederick and Clara Henrietta Cole and was predeceased by her brother Jack and sister Gladys Richardson.

While working at Canadian Headquarters in London Marj met and married Charles (Bud) Berry (d 1994) and came to Canada as a War Bride with a baby, Susan Elizabeth (late Jack Prior). After settling in a home in Woodroffe they had a son Stephen Charles, joined the Woodroffe United Church, and became very involved in their community and in later years at Pinewood Park. Mother also had a strong connection to and was an active War Bride both in the ESWIC Club and the Sewing Bee. A life member of the Eastern Star and she held secretarial positions both as a volunteer and an employee. Marjorie was a tap and square dancer and at 69 she made her debut on the stage of the NAC in the Toy Soldier.

Marjorie leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren: James Prior (Joanne hui), Jill Angus, Bonnie Keefer (Mike), Kate Berry (Rick Gallinger), Rob Prior, Charles Berry (Marie De Seve) Mike Prior (Andrea Grand), and great grandchildren: Elissa (Jake McNulty) and Lily Angus, Simone and Edie, Cole, Ashley and Brooke, Maddy and Justin, Andrew, and Henri. Also left to mourn are Linda Berry, Teckla Allen, the Woodruffs, Coles, and the Richardsons in England. 

There will be a Visitation at Woodroffe United Church on Friday April 26th from 2 to 4 and the funeral will be held there on Saturday, April 27th at 11am, followed by a reception and light luncheon in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to: The Marj and Bud Berry Bursary (for nursing students at U of O) or the Saba Kifle Practical Nursing Bursary at Algonquin College.