Sandra H. "Sandy" Berry

Sandra H. Berry (known to everyone as "Sandy"), a devoted wife, mother, grandmother,
friend, and colleague, passed away on Monday, January 19 th at the age of 84. She was
known for her sense of humor, dedication to family, openness, generosity, and
supportive nature. Undaunted by her recent health challenges Sandy pushed through
with determination, hardly a complaint, and always with her great sense of humor.
Sandy was born in Portland, ME to Warren and Beulah Reinholdtsen on June 23, 1941.
She grew up in the environs of Portland, the eldest of 5 children. She was a graduate of
Deering High School in Portland, ME. She was working at Shaw's Supermarket in
North Deering, Maine as a cashier when she met her husband to be, Richard Berry.
Married at 18 to her husband Richard (20), the two spent a full life of over 65 years
together. Sandy was a young mother, so therefore a young grandmother. Her
orientation to always help others made her a supportive mother and wife.
Richard and Sandy settled in Hampton, NH, where they raised their family. She was a
dedicated mother to her three sons, Jeff, Colin and Kevin. She was always there for her
three boys providing a stable and consistent home life. When the boys' creative
interpretations of "good behavior" led to mischief that required intervention from her, a
more than once used refrain was, "don't tell your father."
Sandy was a wife and stay-at-home Mother until her later 30's when she started her
working career. She held a few part-time positions before starting her professional
career at Winnacunnet High School as Paraprofessional and later as an Educational
Assistant in the Copy Center (her Domain). It was in the Copy Center that her natural
abilities as an organizer began to shine. Sandy was an inspiration to all who knew her
and was a founder of the paraprofessional union Seacoast Educational Support
Personnel Association (SESPA). She worked tirelessly in support of the teachers at
WHS and was a fixture in the community of educators, standing up for other's rights.
Sandy was gifted at the handcrafts of sewing, tailoring, crochet, and knitting. She made
clothing in her younger years like mittens and hats for the kids, then later made clothing
and Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. In more recent years she crocheted
afghans for everyone in the family when in her late 70's. Her special talent for
organization once again shined, as she created order in her home using plastic bins,
labels, and other clever solutions wherever they may be needed.
Sandy was a fixture in the aerobics, spin, and strength classes at Positive Steps in her
active years (known for her hover which was nicknamed "The Sandy Hover"). During
those years she became an avid runner and walker, always staying active.
Sandy and Richard played cribbage together throughout their lives together. What
started as a typical date night in their younger years, turned into a spirited competition in
their later years. She was extremely competitive and relished every victory when they
played one of their best of 25 series.
When not playing cribbage, Sandy kept herself busy engaged in various other activities
and hobbies such as reading, playing Mahjong, or spending hours methodically putting
together impossible puzzles totaling in the tens-of-thousands of pieces, including one of
the Mona Lisa.
Sandy's children and grandchildren were one of the most important parts of her life.
She never missed a birthday, even if it came to her delegating authority to Richard to
extend wishes or send cards and gifts. Her generosity and support of the family were
without limits. She took great delight in spoiling everyone.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband Richard Berry of Spring Hill, FL; Sister in-law
Margaret Murphy of Phippsburg, ME; son Jeff and wife Ana of China, ME; son Colin and
wife Jill of Hampton, NH; son Kevin and wife Marcia of Hampton, NH; grandchildren
Sean, Ryan, Danielle, Neo, Isabella, Madeline, Ben, Matthew, and Kendra.
Please feel free to share below any memories or anecdotes to contribute to the picture
of Sandy's life and who she was as a person thank you for keeping her in your
thoughts.