Dorothy M. Berry

Dorothy M. (Lipetz) Berry (Born December 15, 1920 in New Britain, CT) of Southington, CT, passed away in her sleep early on the morning of December 4, 2021. Thriving (almost) all the way through her 100th year, Dorothy will have many stories, about a life well-lived, to share with the angels.

She will be greeted in heaven by her sister (Florence “Flo” Stanford), and her brother (Theodore “Teddy” Lipetz). She will be welcomed by her daughter Carol and the love of her life, William “Billy” Berry.

She is survived by her loving children William C. “Toby” Berry, Jr. (Mary Ann) and Nancy Korzec (John); her niece, Janice Serafino (Dominic), her grandchildren, Amy Gizzie, Gretchen Murphy (Steve), William C. “Toby” Berry III (Cheryl), Matthew Berry, Melissa Dickson (Eric), and Allyson Hall (Peter). She is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy graduated from New Britain High School in 1938. Like many of that era, she was asked to serve her country, during WWII, in any way that she could. She became an original “Rosie the Riveter,” making rivets at a factory in New Britain for airplanes and tanks. It was a job she didn’t love but it paid well, and that money was helpful to her family in a time of scarcity, and also started her on her way.

She married William “Billy” Berry on January 24, 1942. He, two years her senior, was one of the handsome “troublemakers” who would hang out behind their high school, smoking with his friends. She thought him funny, charming, mischievous (a trait he would eventually pass on to their daughter, Nancy), and most importantly: “a total babe.” She knew that he would be a great, passionate companion and a loving father. With their best friends, Jackie and John Weston, by their side – the two tied the knot and made their home in a family apartment in New Britain, CT. In 1961, the couple purchased the home where they would spend the rest of their days in in Southington, CT.

She boasts the title of “Mrs. New Britain 1957,” and her talent included perfectly ironing a shirt in less than 1 minute – a triumph from which everyone in the Berry household benefitted. She was a lover of gardening, golf, good cooking, and great food. Dorothy was the consummate entertainer, hosting cocktail parties with the most delicious food and hot hors d'oeuvres, as well as beautiful cakes and cookies that her family and friends would devour. The evenings would conclude with Dorothy at the piano – leading the grandchildren (sometimes regrettably) in song. There were games, treats, music, and a lot of laughter. These decadent family affairs would become the bedrock of her grandchildren’s fondest memories and, moreover, the foundation of their connection to their family.

Dorothy was, more than likely, one of Connecticut’s first “fashionistas.” Whether attending church, or heading to the grocery store - she was always beautifully dressed. If she saw an article of clothing that she liked, but perhaps couldn’t afford, she would simply make it for herself or for her children. When a favorite dress looked “a little tired,” Dorothy would spruce it up with a bit of fun trim or fur, and make it her own fashionable creation. She, her children, her grandchildren, and even some of her “grand doggies,” could be found clad in a “Made with love by Grandma” sweater at some point in their lives.

When asked “What’s the secret? How does one get to 100?” Dorothy replied, “I always found joy in something I wanted to do everyday. I loved to go for a walk, try a new recipe, organize a drawer or closet, keep up with my knitting, play a game of cards, watch a t.v. program, or fiddle on the piano. I also like to eat bananas and potato chips together. A bite of salty, followed by a bite of sweet – that’s the good stuff.”

These paragraphs cannot fully capture her 100 years and, to be honest, like all grandparents she was just “magic.” Dorothy will be remembered, with fondness, in the hearts of her children and her grandchildren and a celebration of her incredible life will be held later in the spring of 2022. For now the family asks that you remember Dorothy, and her incredible light, with a gift to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), and also by finding time to truly enjoy something you want to do today. Take a moment for you - enjoy the salty and the sweet.

A graveside service for Dorothy will be held in the spring at St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. The DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington has been entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences please visit, www.dellavecchiasouthington.com