Barbara Ann Hurley Berry

Barbara Ann Hurley Berry of Phoenix, Arizona passed away March 19, 2026, at the age of 94. Our beloved "Oma" was a shining light to everyone who knew her. Barbara was born to Thomas John Hurley and Emma Rose Hurley on August 3, 1931, in Omaha, Nebraska. She loved learning and excelled in math, piano, dance and art. In 1949, she graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City, Utah.
As a young adult with an independent spirit, she left her home for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she graduated from Moore Institute of Art, Science and Industry in 1955 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textile Design. Her talent led her to New York City, and some of her happiest memories were of living in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village during the 1950s.
Barbara met her future husband, Joe Berry, on a blind date, and they married two years later in California. As a Navy family, they were stationed in Alaska, California, Midway Island, Guam and Florida. After Joe’s military retirement, the couple raised their five children in Irving, Texas. As the children grew older, Barbara began her career as a bookkeeper for different travel agencies.
In the early 1990s, she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and became a caregiver for her mother, Emma. She also assisted and tenderly cared for her grandson, Brendan. Barbara spent many years volunteering for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and was recently presented with the Vincentian Award for longevity of service. She always prioritized Christ, family and charity towards others.
Barbara loved her Catholic faith and was proud of her Irish heritage. She was known for her sharp wit, love of puzzles and playing cards. Throughout her life, she treasured dogs. She adopted Shadow, a loyal cockapoo, who became her best friend and a devoted companion until their last days.
Barbara enjoyed the last years of her life living in Ahwatukee with her daughter, Linda. Although Alzheimer’s diminished her memory, it never changed her sweet disposition, love of numbers or steadfast faith. She was always a blessing and will be remembered lovingly by her family and friends.
Barbara is survived by her children Anna Marie Allen and husband Raymond, of Fairview, Texas; Daniel Joseph Berry and wife Shellie of Petaluma, California; Julia Rose Smith of Phoenix, Arizona; Lieutenant Colonel Linda Diane Berry, USAF (Ret.) of Phoenix, Arizona; and Martha Berry Shields and husband Jim of Gold Canyon, Arizona. She is honored by her grandchildren Raymond Allen III, Kathleen Rendek (Jon), Marissa Lewis (Rocky), Brendan Berry, Joshua Berry, Christopher Allen (Aly), and Lucas Berry along with numerous nieces and nephews. Oma will forever be cherished by her three great grandchildren: Tommy, Audrey and Ben Lewis.
She was preceded in death by her former husband Thomas ‘Joe’ Berry, her brother Thomas John Hurley II, and her parents.
A Rosary will be prayed in her honor at Queen of Heaven Cemetery Chapel in Mesa, Arizona on March 30, 2026 at 6:00pm, with viewing from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The funeral Mass will be at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 31, 2026 at 11:00am, followed by a private interment at Queen of Heaven.
In lieu of flowers or trees, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.