November 22, 1930 - April 10, 2024
On the morning of Wednesday April 10th, 2024, Madeline Marie Berry passed away peacefully with her daughter-in-law Shelley by her side at Westview Care Community in Linden, AB. She lived to the age of 93. Madeline was born to Elie and Anna Robert November 22, 1930, in rural eastern Saskatchewan, close to the town of St. Lazare, MB.
She was the youngest of 14 children and grew up in the midst of the great depression. Despite the poverty of that time, she always had fond memories of growing up on the plains near the Qu’Appelle Valley. Her family moved to Nelson during the Second World War, and she always loved Nelson and the mountains, she often would tell stories of swimming in the Arrow Lakes. She moved back to Winnipeg, MB in the late 40’s, where she met George Berry, and they were married on July 19th, 1951. They lived in a few different places around Winnipeg while Dad worked various jobs and Mom welcomed 6 of her babies into their lives. In 1965 they made the move to Linden, AB and bought a piece of land tucked into the valley beside the Lone Pine creek. Here, the last 2 children joined the Berry family.
Mom said it was her dream come true to have enough land to raise food. She had chickens, cattle and pigs to chore and raised two large gardens for many summers. She would spend hours toiling in that garden, her happy place, often until sunset. Mom gardened there until she was no longer able and wished she had the energy to be out there still when her son began taking on all the yard work. We have all missed the produce she shared and the endless jars of Grandma pickles.
She had a giving spirit. and there was always an extra plate at the table for others. George and the children would often bring home friends and Madeline would always make sure they were fed and taken care of and treated as part of the family. In later years, when the reins of large family dinners were handed over, she would spend the days beforehand making all the desserts. Her cookies, squares and pies were a family favorite.
Madeline’s love for her children and grandchildren was immense. Despite being Grandmother to 14 grandchildren, she took the time to know them individually & had a special relationship with each of them. She always made every grandkid feel like they were the favorite.
Madeline was preceded by her husband George in 1993 and her two sons David Berry (1956-2014) and Jim Berry (1952-2016). She is survived by: her children, Amy Enns (Gilbert,) Carol Baerg (Greg), Pat Berry, George “Dode” Berry (Cyndee), Paul Berry (Lisa), and Michelle Esau (Ron); 14 grandchildren, Kellie Enns (Chad), Jason Enns (Erin), Cheryln Smith, Chelsey Berry (Eric), Nikole Berry, Scott Berry( Cass), Kacy Berry (Delaney), Jodi Berry (Myles), Bailey Lahue (Darwin), Shay Edwards (Jay), Aubrey Esau (Kaylin), Graham Esau, Sharla Berry, and Curtis Berry; 2 widowed daughters-in-law, Bev Berry and Shelley Jackson Berry; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Our family would like to thank the Westview Care Community for their compassionate care of Mom over the last 4 years and especially the kindness shown to us all in her last days.
Memorial donations may be made to Westview Care Community, Box 220, Linden, AB T0M 1J0.
No services will be held at this time. For more information and to send condolences, please visit www.sunsetltd.ca
