Janet BERRY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BERRY: Janet Louise (Sararas, Chetrybok) Berry. The saddest moment is when those who gave you the very best memories, become a memory. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janet Berry on Sunday May 19th, 2019. Janet was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, step-mother, mother in-law, grandmother and great grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was her family and close friends. Janet is survived by her sister Doreen, her sons Barry, Perry, and Dan (Michaela) Chetyrbok, her grandchildren Ryan (Laura), Kyla (Ryan), Matthew (Kyla), Brittany and her great grandchildren Hayley, Maddie and Hudson. She is also survived by her sister-in-laws Louise Croft, Ruby Kaasgaard, step-children Michael (Keith Chapman), Marlene (Tony Glover), Bob (Jennifer), Jane (Warren Kay), and grandchildren Sean, Stephanie (Brad), Ryan (Bailey), Brendan, Camryn, and Matthew. Janet was born in Virden Manitoba November 16, 1938 to Catherine and William Sararas. Their home was Two Creeks for the first 6 years of her life. She attended Virden Public School and went on to graduate from Virden Collegiate in 1956. Janet continued her education at Brandon College pursuing her dream to be a teacher in 1957. Her teaching career began at Elm Valley School in Cromer. She taught for a year at Lilydale School in East Selkirk before moving to the Transcona Springfield School Division where she was an educator and a care-giver. She devotedly served for 27 years as a compassionate teacher and paraprofessional finally retiring in 1995. In 1959, in Virden, Janet married John Chetyrbok and they moved to Winnipeg. Janet delighted in her family of three boys Barry, Perry, and Daniel. She was an avid fan of her son’s sporting endeavors and soon became a full-fledged hockey Mom. John and Janet were well-respected members of the Transcona community with many friends. Sadly, in 1986, Janet lost her husband John to cancer. With the love and support of her friends, Janet continued on alone for 11 years and watched over her growing family while still at work. After Janet’s retirement, she took the opportunity to travel and in 1996 she was reacquainted with Robert Berry whom she had known from Virden. Janet and Bob were married on October 4th, 1997 and went on to share their love for travel, theater, the symphony and family gatherings. Janet and Bob enjoyed seeing Canada coast to coast. They also travelled extensively in the United States and took great delight in sharing pictures and stories of their adventures. Janet and Bob were active members of Transcona Memorial United Church. She loved her church and its spiritual leaders Carol and Jeff who were always there for her. She thoroughly enjoyed working on the worship committee, being a member of the Book Group, and especially loved listening to the choir. Sadly, Janet lost Bob on October 16th, 2013. Even in the most challenging times, Janet was passionate about life in every way and adored her family and numerous friends. She belonged to numerous groups such as the Red Hat Society, Regent Park Old Timers, and the Potluck group. She loved the theater and treasured her time spent at Celebrations and Oakbank and TMUC Dinner Theaters. Janet also had a passion for food and always made the effort to try different restaurants. While the winter months were always busy, Janet’s real love was summer. She always looked forward to enjoying the sunshine in her garden and being barefoot and tanned. Most of all Janet cherished her family. Her love for every member of her family was resolute. However her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Janet’s smile lit up the room every time they would visit. Rest in peace Janet, we will carry you in our hearts always. A memorial service was held on Monday, May 27, 2019 at Transcona Memorial United Church followed by interment at Transcona Cemetery. Thanks to friends and family for their love and support over many years and to the Riverview Health Centre doctors and staff for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Transcona Memorial United Church Building Fund.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 01, 2019