Obituary of Shirley A. Berry

Shirley A. Berry went peacefully to be with the Lord on May 17th, with her children, Debra and Charles by her side. Born in Little Falls, New York, on July 19, 1941, she was the cherished daughter of Leroy and Laura (Getman) Kretser. Shirley graduated from Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School District and, at the age of 18, married  Charles Roger Berry, Sr. who predeceased her in death.

As she raised their family of five children, Shirley dedicated over 20 years to being a homemaker. Her career began at Nathan Littauer Hospital as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA). She also worked at Lexington as a secretary and at Palatine Nursing Home as a PTA and unit secretary. Throughout her employment, she also assisted in her husband's painting contracting business as the secretary and bookkeeper.

Shirley will be remembered for her unwavering love and dedication to her family, her warm and welcoming nature, and her ability to make everyone feel at home. She loved to entertain and was an amazing cook and baker. Shirley was a classy and dignified lady, always ensuring she looked her best, and she carried herself with grace and elegance throughout her life. One of her favorite pastimes was dancing with her husband.  She also loved to hunt, fish, garden, camp, crochet and travel with her family. She was an avid reader and had beautiful penmanship displayed in many of her quotes and poems that she was fond of.

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and family values. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten by her children: Debra Berry-Szabo (late Gregory Szabo), Charles R. Berry Jr. (Tara L. Berry), Jeffrey Berry (Amanda Berry), Rebecca Fuccillo (Jeff Fuccillo), and Beth Ann Berry (Paul Galschneider). She is also survived by her beautiful grandchildren: Kristina, Chadd, Kari, Alexis (Aaron), Isabella, Jeffrey David, Trey, Colby, and Schuyler.   Also,  seven wonderful great-grandchildren: Noah, Sofia, Greysonn, Oliver, Emmalyn, Jackson, and Liam;  brother, Leroy Krestser Jr.   Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Leroy and Laura, and her siblings, Barb Manchester and William Kretser.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday June 23rd  at noon for Charlie (Roger) and Shirley at Ephratah-Rural Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at Ephratah Rod and Gun Club on Route 67 in Ephratah, NY.

Arrangments are under the direction of  Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.