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Rita Berry Obituary
Rita Jane (LaGoe) Berry of Toledo, OH, was eternally reunited on November 27, 2021, with her beloved husband of 46 years, Dr. Jerrold L. Berry; and three beloved sons, Paul, Mark, and Bill Berry.
Rita was born June 10, 1933, to Marie (Flood) and Herbert LaGoe, owner of Herbert's Diner in Marion, MI. She was the youngest of nine children, Francis "Bake" (Eleanor) LaGoe, Herbert (Helen) LaGoe, Marianne (Forrest) Martin, Monica (Clarence) Muth, Paul (Barb) LaGoe, Rose (Andrew) Chvojka, Jim (Gwen) LaGoe, and Rev. Jack LaGoe, the only surviving sibling.
Rita was among the 32 students who graduated from Marion Township High School in 1951. In school she ran track, played basketball, sang in Glee Club, and was crowned Miss Snowball Queen at her winter formal.
Rita married Jerry, a pre-med student at the University of Michigan, in 1954. The couple moved to Toledo in 1956 when Jerry was an intern at the Toledo Hospital.
In Toledo, Rita and Jerry lovingly raised nine children, Pat (Lee) Berry, Barb Berry, Ann (Dr. James) North, Mark (Melanie) Berry, Dan Berry, Paul Berry, John Berry, and Carol (Chris) Contos.
The Berry children all attended Little Flower Elementary and St. John's or St. Ursula High Schools.
For 45 years Rita ran the family home on Glann Road, where she hosted countless
summer picnics and holiday gatherings. There she raised her children, and always welcomed family and friends.
Her large and loving home became an "also home" for her even dozen grandchildren, Freddie and Jesse DeMetrovich, Erin (Luke) Konecki, Andy (Sammy) Berry; Matthew, Katie, and Melissa North, Megan and Zach Berry, Robin, Emily, and Jacob Contos. Her greatest joy in recent years was welcoming her first great-grandchildren, Joanna and Lillian Konecki.
Rita's love of family was nearly matched by her love of the Tigers. She also enjoyed playing bridge, watching basketball, reading, and all things chocolate.
Rita was a member of the Academy of Medicine Women's Auxiliary, a bowling league, several book groups, and a close circle of friends known as The Dems, who met regularly to share lunch and solve all the world's problems.
Rita is known for never letting anyone go hungry-she always offered a sandwich or snack no matter the time of day. She thought it an absolute tragedy for any child to go hungry, and has asked folks to consider making memorial donations to organizations that feed the hungry or a charity of their own choosing.
The family is planing a private memorial.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Berry
6 Entries
Jean Raber
December 28, 2021
In her last years, my mother, Sara Foster Hughes, treasured her long-distance friendship with Rita. It meant a lot to her when Rita called, and it did wonders for her energy levels to "get worked up" about politics and religion--all the "good stuff they tell you not to talk about." I will think of Rita when I make this year's donation to the Salvation Army. She sounds like she was a great person!
Frank Berry
December 19, 2021
Rita was my aunt. She was a dear, sweet lady who has earned a special place in heaven.
Deborah Bobo
December 17, 2021
Mrs Berry was my neighbor, you all have my deepest sympathy. Doc and Mrs Berry were the sweetest and most kindness folks. So very down to earth...Mrs. Rita made the best sweets. They will always, always be in my heart. May your family stay strong in this time if loss. Doc and Mrs. Rita are together again...I can see him standing waiting for her.
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Jill Berry Wells
December 16, 2021
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember Aunt Rita. My family is keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs and love.
Kathleen A Foss Snyder
December 12, 2021
To the Berry family, especially Pat and Lee, my heart goes out to you on the loss of the matriarch to your family. I always loved your mother. She always was so gracious toward me. I know it was difficult for her but she came to my mom's funeral. She came in her wheelchair looking beautiful. I personally could not believe she was there. I know that my parents enjoyed Dr. and Mrs. Berry. They always told me how much fun they had with the two of them. They really made my parents laugh at the stories they told.
For a while Dr. Berry let my Dad share his office space out at Westgate. Who does that. Only people that are kind hearted and wonderful people. My Dad was greatful for he did not have to rent an office space nor did he have to move furniture. He shared in the rent and saw patients
part time. Then St Vincent called him and told him they wanted him full time. His time at the shared office space was short lived. Dad had many memories with Doc Berry and his partner.
Let me say this Mrs. Berry was very well liked by the Foss' and your dear mother will always be remembered. I know you will all miss her greatly. You will see her again and until then she remains in your heart forever and you memories of her shall remain in your hearts for a life time.
Thank you so much and I will celebrate her life as I knew her. Tim and Kathy Foss Snyder
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