Florence G. Berrien

Florence G. Berrien, lifelong resident of Milford, passed away on March 28, 2025. She was born on June 25, 1932 to the late Bell and Marion Janssen Gray. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Robert, Ronald and Walter Gray, her son Allen D. Berrien, her grandson Andrew Bodick, her son-in-law Bill Van Wilgen and her high school sweetheart and former husband Allen G. Berrien. She is survived by her daughters Nancy (Stephen) Bennett of West Cornwall, Laurie Van Wilgen of Branford, Leigh Bak of Milford, grandchildren Katharine Mix, Stephen Bak, Emily (Patrick) Paulson, and great grandson Eli Paulson. Her childhood was spent in crippling poverty which likely contributed to her amazing work ethic and incredible generosity later in life. She was an excellent student and just an all-around "good kid", graduating from Milford High School in 1950. She went to work for local builder George McDermott of the Lewis J. McDermott Real Estate Agency during her high school years and ran his office with her trademark efficiency. Whenever we drove her around the neighborhoods in Milford, she delighted in telling us who purchased which house and for how much. We were flabbergasted that she could remember that, as well as the fact that you could buy a really nice cape for $10K back in the day. She married Allen Berrien in 1953 and they settled on Helwig St. in a historic home that they had moved to that spot to save it from the wrecking ball. It was there that they raised their 4 children next door to their business, Milford Boat Works. She was the consummate mother and homemaker; she could magically stretch a half pound of meat to feed the whole family. We often marveled at how she could make 21 delicious meals a week for a family of six while working full time at the boatyard. She adored music and it filled our home; its doubtful that there were many waking hours when the phonograph wasnt playing and during Sunday afternoon car rides, she led us in song after song, likely to make up for the fact that a 1963 VW Beetle didnt come with a radio. Sea Scout Ship 25 was born in our living room and its likely many of the guys came for Moms baked goods; she has kept in touch with many of those scouts to this day. She also led a Brownie Scout troop. She was an avid reader and especially loved poetry. We may have been the only kids in 3rd grade who could recite Frost or Kilmer at the drop of a hat. Her love of reading poured over in later life to one of her favorite volunteer activities, reading to her little Chickadees at the Milford Preschool. She was such a giver. She prided herself on the fact that she donated over 16 gallons of blood during her lifetime and didnt hesitate to give a kidney to someone when she saw the need. Her life and her rock was her church family at Mary Taylor Methodist Church, where she faithfully attended for over 80 years. She taught Sunday School, served as Assistant Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Historian, was involved with United Methodist Women, Cashier at the Fair on the Green and sang in the choir for decades. She must have baked thousands and thousands of her signature Chocolate Chip Cookies for nearly every church function. She was the unofficial ambassador for the church before that became the thing to do; if you were new and walked in the door, Flo greeted you, took you back to Fellowship Time and remembered your name the next week. She maintained birthday lists for every church member and many close friends, ensuring they were remembered with a phone call on their special day. Your birthday wasnt over until you had a call from Flo! She was named a "Connecticut Treasure" by Gov. Jodi Rell in 2002. Gov. Rell sure hit the nail on the head with that one. Mom simply made a difference in nearly everything she touched. If there was a need, she filled it. Her life was not always easy, but she navigated it with grace and a quiet inner strength that inspired not only her family but all who knew her. Her life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 10th at 11 AM at Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church, 168 South Broad Street, Milford, CT. A reception in the church hall will follow. If you would like to remember Flo, please consider a donation to either Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church at the address above or to Beth-El Center at 90 New Haven Ave, Milford, CT. Or, you could follow her example and make someone feel special today, as that was her hallmark. To light a candle or leave a condolence please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.com
Services
Celebration of Life
Saturday
May 10, 2025
11:00 AM
Mary Taylor United Methodist Church
168 South Broad Street
Milford, CT 06460 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Florence, please visit our Tree Store.