Ann Caroline Roper Berry

1934 - 2024

Ann Caroline Roper Berry

November 9, 1934 - August 1, 2024

Lacey, Washington - Ann Berry, 89, retired senior US diplomat, died peacefully on August 1, 2024 at Panorama.

Ann was born November 9, 1934 in Lakewood, Ohio to Doris and Frank Roper. She had one older brother, Carson. As a child, Ann excelled in school and loved Girl Scouts, playing the flute, horseback riding, and synchronized swimming. In 1952, Ann graduated from Shaw High School in Cleveland. In 1956, Ann graduated from Ohio Wesleyan College with a double major in Economics and French (Phi Beta Kappa and High Honors).

In 1956, Ann joined the US State Department as one of the first female Foreign Service officers. Following training and several positions in Washington DC, her first overseas post was to Baghdad, Iraq. In 1959, Ann married Max Berry, a fellow Foreign Service officer. This meant a temporary end to Ann's diplomatic work because the State Department required female officers to resign if they married male officers.

From 1961-1975, Ann focused on nurturing the family and supporting Max's diplomatic career, moving between overseas posts and Washington DC. They lived in four cities in Turkey, including Ankara, where Walter was born (1963), and Izmir, where Helen was born (1965). In 1970-1972, the family lived in Lusaka, Zambia. During Ann's hiatus from diplomatic work, she earned a Masters in Education from University of Maryland (1964), and taught English in schools and communities in Turkey, Zambia, and Virginia.

In 1975, Ann returned to her Foreign Service officer career following a successful lawsuit against the State Department by female officers who had been forced to resign due to marital status. Initially, she focused on trade issues; including negotiating textile import/export agreements throughout Latin America, India, Pakistan and Asia. In 1980, Ann moved the family to Athens, Greece for a two-year post at the US Embassy. In 1982, Ann and Max returned to Washington DC, where she negotiated textile agreements for the US Trade Representative (USTR) on apparel and fabric imports/exports with developing countries.

From 1984-1999, Ann served in a series of senior diplomatic posts, primarily in Europe. This included Counselor of Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Paris, France; representative to the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy (1984-1985); Minister for Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in London, England (1989-1993); and Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Delegation to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, France. Ann's last post was Economic Minister Counselor at the US Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.

Throughout her career, Ann was a trailblazer for professional women, consistently recognized for superlative performance. She retired as one of the highest ranking female Foreign Service officers, equivalent to the military rank of Major General.

In 2001, Ann and Max moved to Panorama in Lacey, WA. Panorama was Ann's chosen community and her home for more than two decades. There, Ann transitioned to a new phase of life, focused on birding, hiking, traveling, volunteering at the Crisis Clinic, and participating in her book group and her Changing Christianity study group. In 2006, after 47 years of marriage, Ann's husband Max died. In 2008, her beloved grandson Max was born; spending time with her grandson was one of Ann's great joys.

Ann was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2019. She was able to remain at home until late 2023 due to the loving care of her son Walter. She spent her last months at Panorama's Gentle Care Unit in the Convalescent and Recovery Center. Her family and friends are grateful for the profound love and nurturing shown by the caregivers.

Ann is predeceased by her parents, her brother Carson (Jacqueline), her husband Max, her nephew David Berry, and many dear friends and family members. She is survived by her son Walter, daughter Helen (Kip), grandson Max and many nieces and nephews in the Roper family: Catherine, Chris, Charlie, and Penny; and in the Berry family: Vicki, Steve and Neil.

Throughout Ann's life, people have admired her insight, her kindness, and her delight in a good laugh. She always showed remarkable grit, warmth, and humility - whether she was hiking, volunteering, or serving as a senior diplomat.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Panorama in Lacey, WA.