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Gail Berry Obituary
Bandon, OR - Gail Berry died May 20, 2021, at home in her apartment in Bandon, Oregon.
Gail was born November 20, 1941, in Iowa, to the late Calvin and Adele Huenemann.
Gail received her bachelor's degree from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri, and a Master's degree in early music from Stanford University. She led the Early Music Ensemble of St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, while she was on the faculty there, and played and taught early music for many years.
Gail also taught piano to students of all ages throughout her life. After moving to North Carolina in 1987, she played viola with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, as principal violist for many years, as well as with the Concordia String Quartet. She also formed a catering company, Chefs-for-a-Day, with partner Bob Jones, while living on Oak Island. She greatly enjoyed providing good music and good food to her family and community.
She is survived by her son Karl Berry, brothers John Huenemann and Joel Huenemann, sister Mary LaBorde, and a large extended family.
At the request of her family, memorial donations may be made to the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, 5032 Randall Parkway, Wilmington, NC 28403, or online at wilmingtonsymphony.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gail Berry
Donald Anthony Bramlett
May 20, 2025
I remember Gail as full of life enjoying her family, music, and love of good cuisine! She knitted my son, AJ, a gold baby blanket that he carried around in his younger years until there was just a small corner of it remaining. I know her sister Mary misses her dearly. Thinking of the Huenemann-Berry family as they remember Gail.
Desiree
February 27, 2025
She was my piano teacher for a number of years. She had a lot of patience and she was very committed to children learning in whatever way worked best for them.
Maggie garbade
January 27, 2024
The series the best piano teacher I ever had. She was so sweet and so good at everything. She's very graceful and elegant too. I wish I had gotten up with her before she passed. Let her know how grateful I was that I got to know her and have her in my life. She wants me me a really beautiful blanket. I still have it. But my dog ate a hole in it. So now I just keep it up
Tammy Stokley
July 18, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Gail taught my son piano. He started learning in his late teens and took lessons right until she moved. He learned so much very quickly. She was a wonderful mentor and teacher and a wonderful human being. Gail is missed and thought of often.
Holly Maurer
July 7, 2021
Gail was my teacher and friend at St. Lawrence University where I was a member of the Early Music Ensemble. I went on to be a professional viola da gamba player and teacher because of her. I have so many memories of long talks, lots of laughter and music.
Larry Knoerl
June 12, 2021
Gail and I were neighbors in Wilmington, NC. She was a wonderful neighbor, always kind, cheerful, and a joy to talk with. God bless you.
maryjo thomas
June 6, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dean Hewett
May 27, 2021
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Grace
May 27, 2021
Gail was a dear friend as well as a beloved cousin. She welcomed me when I moved to California, and we shared many a long conversation and a lot of laughs. Even after she moved back east, she never missed a birthday or Christmas greeting, and for years she would include a recipe and confetti in each card. Generous and funny, talented and kind, Gail shared her gifts without a fuss and left a wealth of good memories for us to cherish.
Shirley
May 26, 2021
Gail's hospitality and thoughtfulness were second to none. She would sign each e-mail with a creative, personalized closing; a different one each time. She made sure to introduce herself to me at the very first symphony rehearsal I attended 18 yrs ago, and helped make me feel at home. Gail, you were the best! You were much loved and sorely missed.
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