SHEILA MARGARET BERRY (CRAWFORD)

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SHEILA MARGARET BERRY (nee CRAWFORD) October 7, 1935 - June 15, 2013 It is with a profound sense of sadness and sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our cherished mother, grandmother and friend, Sheila Margaret Berry. Sheila is survived by her children David (Joanne Thornhill), Linda (John Bertrand), and Douglas (Raymond Sherwood). Grandchildren Michael and Kyle Berry, Jenna, Brett and Liam Mears, Halla and Stefan Bertrand, Stephen Whitehead and many close friends, including Diane Sorenson, Shirley Mercer, Joan Holako and Keith Mears. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond Berry in 1969, and brother William Crawford. Mom grew up in what was then the West End of Winnipeg on Spruce Street. She attended Isaac Brock School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. Mom fondly remembered being in the musicals at Daniel Mac and instilled the love of theatre music in her three children. It was at Daniel Mac that Mom met the absolute love of her life, Raymond Berry. Mom and Dad were married on September 12, 1959 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Looking for some adventure in life, Mom and Dad moved to Hamilton, ON, where dad began working as an engineer. It was there, their first child David was born. Mom and Dad then moved to the United States where their daughter Linda was born, followed by another son, Douglas. Mom and Dad returned to Winnipeg from California during the infamous storm of 1966 and bought a new home in the Westwood area of Winnipeg. Mom loved the water and swimming - being around water provided her with great solace - so vacations filled with joy and laughter were often spent at the family cottage at Westhawk Lake. Mom's heart was broken when she lost her Ray, our Dad, in 1969, leaving her to raise the three children on her own. Our home was a refuge for anyone needing a place for holiday dinners. We learned from her that friends can be the family we get to choose. Mom overcame many obstacles to fulfill a life-long dream to become a nurse. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from Red River Community College in 1979 at the top of her class, and worked at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba until her retirement. Mom spent her retirement years surrounded by her children, grandchildren and "The Ladies". The highlight of this past year was when she travelled with her granddaughter, Jenna, to visit Doug and Ray in Florida. Mom will always be remembered for her quick wit and biting sense of humour, which was with her until the end. In her own way, she taught us so many lessons about life, about love. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society as Mom always loved the company of cats when she was older and dogs when we were younger. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Avenue. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 19, 2013