Theresa Kelly Berry, 66, passed away at home October 11, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gertrude Kelly; sister, Jane Marie Kelly; and brother-in-law, Bruno Walke. Theresa is survived by her husband of 34 years, Rich Berry; and her three children, Kevin (Elizabeth), Thomas, and Molly; siblings, Michael F. (Suzanne), Mary Anne Walke, William (Ginny), and Kathleen (James) Frank; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and close friends, Elise and Matt Merkel, Lisa Stotenbur, and Sarah Elliott.
Theresa attended St. Stephen Elementary, Marywood Academy, and Marquette University, where she received a B.A. in Speech. Following graduation, Theresa worked in the financial industry in Chicago and then in Grand Rapids at Merrill Lynch and Old Kent Bank in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. She gave up her work career to devote full time to her true calling – being a mother. Whenever a Blessed Sacrament, All Saints Academy, or Catholic Central class needed a room mother or chaperone for a field trip, Theresa was always the first to raise her hand and volunteer. She was a constant advocate for everything her children would pursue.
Theresa worked part-time at Kennedy’s Floral and Gift, where she kept staff and customers laughing for 10 “loyal” years. She spent her final days with her family and friends, displaying her feisty spirit and kind nature until the end.
The Berry family would like to offer a special thank you to Faith Hospice and their staff for the wonderful care of Theresa.
Visitation will be held 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, Sunday, October 15, 2023, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Rosary service will be held at 7:30 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Monday, October 16, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2275 Diamond Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 with visitation one-hour prior. Rev. George Darling presiding. Interment Fairplains Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546-5783.
2 Responses
Prayers for peace and healing to the family.
Our Deepest Sympathy to you all. Theresa was such a vibrant person & it was such a joy to be with her. Her Irish roots shone through and through!
I’m sorry for your loss of Theresa as well as her losses in missing out on all the family events & milestones yet to come. She was so proud to be “Mrs. Berry”.
May you be blessed with peace as you move along your days – knowing her love is with you still.
Betsie Walen & Kenneth Smith & sons
Brendan & Michael