Elsie BERRY

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BERRY: Elsie Margaret Berry (nee McCutcheon). Peacefully, on October 15, 2010, at Rideau Park Personal Care Home in Brandon, Manitoba, Elsie Margaret Berry passed away at the age of 95. She is survived by her daughter Diane (Fred) McCarthy, grandchildren Barry (Robyn), great-grandchildren Joey and Matthew and Carla (Kevin Nolt), grandchild Damian; daughter Pat (Stan) Cochrane, grandchildren Kyle (Erin), great-grandchildren Brooklynn and Courtney, Darby (Kelly) and great-grandchildren Chase and Rose; as well as sisters-in-law Viola McCutcheon and Mollie Berry. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Elsie was predeceased by her beloved husband Arthur, her mother Hannah, father Joseph, sisters Hazel, Mabel, and her brothers Elwood, Bill, Art and Russell. Elsie was born March 18, 1915, to Joseph and Hannah McCutcheon who were pioneers in the Strathclair Municipality. She played hockey, baseball, danced and learned to play cards at an early age. In 1941 at 26 years of age, Elsie moved to Birtle to work in the T.E. Morris General Store and later for Leroy Dutton in the Drug Store. Elsie met Arthur Wilson Berry when she was working in the grocery store. She told him when they started dating that if he did not learn to dance and play cards; she would not go with him. He learned to do both very well. They married on April 5, 1944 at the farm at Strathclair and took over the farm North of Birtle from Art’s parents, Ernest and Minnie Berry who were moving to BC. Diane was born in 1947 and Pat in 1949. The family remained on the farm until 1959 when they moved into Birtle. Elsie worked for John Kines in The Macleod’s Store from 1959 to 1972. Art began full time carpentry. As Pat and Diane were growing up, Elsie was a leader in their activities, 4-H, Sunday School, and C.G.I.T. She was a member of the Women’s Institute for 50 years. She was instrumental in reviving the Birtle fair while she was the secretary of the Agriculture Society. When Art found work as a civilian carpenter at Shilo Armed Forces Base in 1972, they built a home at 15 Elviss Crescent in Brandon. Elsie worked at Kmart for 5 1Ž2 yearsin ladies wear. She took great pride in being honest with the customers and loved working retail. After retirement in 1978, Elsie and Art took bus trips, lawn bowled, floor shuffled, golfed and played cards at the Senior Centers. Elsie made many beautiful needlework pictures and quilts for the family. They had showy flowerbeds and a large garden. Summer weekends were spent at their cabin at Sandy Lake, called The Berry Patch. Lions Manor became home in June, 1996 where they enjoyed all the social activities. Elsie continued her quilt making donating many quilt tops to the Manor for quilting. Sadly, Art passed away on January 5, 2002, at the age of 88. Ten years later on February 11, 2006, because of failing memory she moved into Rideau Park Personal Care Home where she enjoyed the staff and the meals. A very special thanks to all the dedicated staff in every department for the kindness shown to Mom, Diane and Pat during her stay. Cremation has taken place. A Graveside Ceremony will be held at Tarbolton Cemetery on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. (today). Donations in Elsie’s memory may be made to Birtle Agriculture Society, Oak Lake Arena, Griswold United Church, Rideau Park Personal Care Home or your charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are withMemories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 23, 2010