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Mary Berry

1943 - 2018

Mary Berry obituary, 1943-2018, Winterset, IA

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McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary

801 19th Street

West Des Moines, Iowa

Mary Berry Obituary

Mary Berry

Winterset - Mary Berry, (née Grady) beloved wife of Tom, long time Winterset resident, and life-long teacher, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 2, 2018, following a short heart-related illness. She is dearly missed by her husband, sons Steven and Tom (Meg), and grandchildren Kate and Thomas. She is survived by her siblings Michael (Mary) Grady, Margaret (Fred) Ritchie, Nora Ladewig, Timothy (Kathleen Granger) Grady, Nan (Scott) Kiel, Robert (Mara Reilly) and Sheila Grady.

Mary was born March 9, 1943. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska and continued graduate studies and other forms of education throughout her career. From the beginning of her career as a young teacher in Bloom Township in Chicago Heights to her retirement from Lincoln High School, Mary left her mark on her students and her co-workers. Along the way she accumulated many accolades, including her much-cherished Crystal Apple Teachers' Award awarded by the Wichita School District for excellence in teaching.

In her 20 plus years as an English teacher at Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Mary inspired thousands of students and dozens of colleagues. Certainly, Mary was known and respected for mastery of her subject matter, her optimistic spirit and her ever-present sense of humor, but what really set Mary apart was her unfailing commitment to her students. A colleague observed that when walking past her room, one would hear her engaged in reading and conversational discussions with students. And the laughter. . . there was always laughter.

Mary loved to laugh and to learn and she will be missed by her friends and family. A celebration of her life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2018 with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in West Des Moines, IA.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Heart Center Foundation or the Adult Education and Literacy Program at DMACC.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Jun. 6, 2018.
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My daughter had her as a teacher at Urbandale High School recently and I heard her name frequently as we visited about the school day around the supper table. My daughter found her to be so relatable, kind and loved her sense of humor. She ran a classroom of high school kids in a way that was enjoyable to them because she had a way with kids that showed them she cared for them individually. She said she felt noticed by her everyday she had her class. She'll be missed.

A Students Mom

June 11, 2018

Megan Rich

June 7, 2018

She was an amazing teacher who had a sarcastic wit. I have never had a teacher who spoke more to me as if speaking to my highest potential self and not just a high school kid. Attending her class you felt first hand what college was going to be like. What the academic world was like outside South side Des Moines, Iowa. She will be greatly missed.

Tom Choi

Student

June 7, 2018

Mrs. Berry was my champion. Her intelligence and sharp wit showed me that a person can hold so much poise yet so much honesty and directness. Her faith in me as a student and in my potential is one of the reasons I have been able to succeed in life and my profession as an actor.

When she spoke to me she spoke with respect and equalness as not a high school kid but as the person I was meant to be and going to be.

Teachers have held a special place in my heart. And a handful of them have been the guiding light in my memories.

She has succeeded 100 times over in her career as a teacher and I am proof.

When I just now read of her passing I felt void in my world. I do believe that a light has been extinguished in this world but I know she now lights another world.

Thank you Mary. More than you will ever know.

Tom Choi

Tom Choi

June 7, 2018

During my senior year of high school, Mrs. Berry was my English teacher. Shortly before graduation, I spent a month in Russia on an exchange program. But before I left, I met with each teacher to see what makeup work would be required. Her assignment was the only one I remember. She said, "Keep a journal. Write in it everyday about your travels. It will mean more than what you could ever learn in this class. I don't need to read it, I just need your word that you will write, everyday." I kept that promise and I wrote every detail of my trip. Twenty-three years later, I treasure that journal, memories that would have been lost without her "assignment." Of course at 17, I had no idea what gift she was giving me, the opportunity to record history, a silly journal of an Iowa girl in Moscow. But she knew. What a gift. She was a lovely person, her laugh contagious, and she made even Gulliver's Travels, Grendel and Gilgamesh tolerable. And that's saying a lot. Mrs. Berry, you were the bee's knees and you will be missed. Thank you for your love of literature, your joy and wise guidance.

Elise Free

June 6, 2018

During my senior year of high school, Mrs. Berry was my English teacher. Shortly before graduation, I spent a month in Russia on an exchange program. But before I left, I met with each teacher to see what makeup work would be required. Her assignment was the only one I remember. She said, "Keep a journal. Write in it everyday about your travels. It will mean more than what you could ever learn in this class. I don't need to read it, I just need your word that you will write, everyday." I kept that promise and I wrote every detail of my trip. Twenty-three years later, I treasure that journal, memories that would have been lost without her "assignment." Of course at 17, I had no idea what gift she was giving me, the opportunity to record history, a silly journal of an Iowa girl in Moscow. But she knew. What a gift. She was a lovely person, her laugh contagious, and she made even Gulliver's Travels, Grendel and Gilgamesh tolerable. And that's saying a lot. Mrs. Berry, you were the bee's knees and you will be missed. Thank you for your love of literature, your joy and wise guidance. - Elise Gustafson Free

June 6, 2018

So sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I enjoyed working with Mary at Lincoln. Students always told me how much they enjoyed her class.
My sympathy to the family,
Vince DeAngelis

Vincent DeAngelis

June 6, 2018

She was the best teacher I ever had. She was always there and listened when I needed to talk. She always made me laugh and put a smile on my face. She wasn't only a teacher she was also a friend. Heaven as gained an angel. She will be truly missed.

Andrea Trowbridge Correy

June 5, 2018

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Memorial Events
for Mary Berry

Jun

7

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church

West Des Moines, IA

Jun

7

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church

West Des Moines, IA

Funeral services provided by:

McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary

801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265

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