OBITUARIO
MARGARET BERRY
6 noviembre , 1929 – 30 diciembre , 2020
Margaret (Blanchard) Berry, Age 91 passed away on December 30, 2020 at home with her daughters Jane and Nancy, as well as her dear friend Sherry Vermette, by her side. She was born in Auburn, Maine on November 6, 1929 to Henrietta (Ames) Blanchard and Daniel Blanchard. She graduated from Edward Little HS in the class of 1947.
Margaret was married to Paul R. Berry on August 30, 1950 and enjoyed 52 years together until his death in 2002.
Margaret had a strong love of music which started as a child when she learned to play the trombone. Margaret taught all the Brass instruments for many decades, first at several schools then when her children arrived, she taught at home. After Paul passed you could find her playing in numerous local bands: Auburn Community Concert Band, Fanfare Band and filled in at Bath and Westbrook Community Bands and anywhere that a trombone player was needed. Margaret was very active throughout her life. She worked alongside Paul during their marriage running the Berry Farm and Vegetable Stand and their snowplowing business. She was a Girl Scout Leader when Nancy was a Girl Scout. Margaret was a member of the West Auburn Congregational Church where she held many roles. Margaret had a strong faith and knew she was heading home.
She is survived by her daughters Jane Dinsmore and husband Carl of Auburn, Me., Nancy Massucco and husband Walter of Center Conway, NH. Brother James Blanchard, Supply, NC. Special friends James Gardner, Charles Marshall, Jonathan Richards, and Louise Genussa, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, husband Paul; son in-law Henry Harlow, Sister Julia Oakes (Richard); Brothers: Austin Blanchard (Delores); Ralph Blanchard (Elizabeth) and sister-in-law, Mary Blanchard.
The family would like to thank CMMC Oncology dept. Dr. Erikson and Dr. Skelton; Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice especially Aimee her nurse who helped make it possible to keep Margaret at home during her last days. Also, Nancy's friend Jerry Hembree RN who dropped everything to drive over from NH to spend the last night with the family and help Margaret have a peaceful passing. Along with all those that have touched Margaret’s life.
A Memorial service will be scheduled at a later date when we can all get together to celebrate a life well lived, with interment at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Auburn. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.
Margaret requested that Donations in her memory can be sent to: Auburn Community Concert Band PO Box138 Auburn, Maine 04212-0138 or West Auburn Congregational Church PO Box 3126 Auburn, Maine 04212
Recuerdos
MARGARET BERRY
have a memory or condolence to add?
AÑADIR UN RECUERDOMiriam Wetzel
febrero 10, 2021
I was deeply saddened to learn, just today, Feb. 10, 2021, that Margaret Berry was no longer with us. My condolences to her daughters Nancy and Jane and her many good friends. I met Margaret only 6 years ago, when I joined the Fanfare Concert Band, but I heard her play with them a few years before that and was immediately impressed with her precision and musicianship. After I got to know her, I also found out that she had a gracious and outgoing personality. I looked forward to the pleasure of having a few minutes of conversation with her when I went to Fanfare rehearsals. We shared many memories from our music teaching days. God Bless you, Margaret, and comfort your family.
Joan Barrett
enero 8, 2021
Rick and I are very saddened to hear of Margaret's recent passing. Auburn has lost two of their finest ever Citizens --- Margaret and Paul Berry. We became good friends in 1989 when I was appointed School Transportation Director and so much appreciated the best of all school bus drivers, Paul Berry. We met Margaret shortly after at a social event and became great friends forever. In particular, I shall miss her annual Christmas card and yearly report letter. I just reread the last one in early December where she briefly said she was sad to be missing her band friends and news that her illness had returned. It was always this card and letter that became my clue that it was time to prepare my own cards to send to loved ones. Margaret and Paul will always be in our prayers and thoughts, never forgotten. Our deepest condolences to their daughters Jane and Nancy and the extended family. So sad...........Joan & Rick Barrett
Ellen Woodward
enero 8, 2021
Guess we were second cousins, Peg! Your Mom, Aunt Etta and Grammie were sisters. So many memories of fresh veggies from the stand, visits with our dog Rowdy and his girlfriend, your Tina! I remember your family coming to Bear Pond for a quick dip after working in the gardens all day! You are now at peace and in the arms of our Loving Lord! Hugs to your girls, Jane and Nancy!
Martha Gay Runnerstrom
enero 7, 2021
Dearest Margaret,
I know, in my heart, that you are sitting in God's celestial band, playing glorious music for all of Heaven. If the director looks familiar, it might just be my Dad in his white ELHS band conductor's uniform with the gold trim. He and Mom have been waiting for your arrival.
I will miss our annual Christmas calls, Sweet Friend. I love you.💕
Martha (Miffie)
Janet Schwanda
enero 6, 2021
Jane and Nancy,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. Even when expected, losing one's mother is a huge loss. I remember your mother fondly from stops at the farm stand in the summer. When I was a teen, she even paid me once to pick some boxes of black raspberries that grew near my yard, and she sold them at the stand. I just thought that was great! She was always such a sweet lady and will be missed by many.
Janet White Schwanda
Christine Nolin
enero 6, 2021
Margaret was a constant in my life, especially in my young life, from hanging out at her house with my first best friend Jane, going to see Pinocchio at the Empire Theater, trip to the White Mountains, swimming in the backyard pond, riding Jackie the donkey, gathering eggs to mention a few. My husband and kids remember blackberries from the Berry Farm. The neighborhood will not be the same without you Margaret.
Thanks for the memories, Love,
Chris, Dan, Kim, & Jim
Ed & Debby Dwyer
enero 6, 2021
Margaret, and husband Paul, were the heart of Auburn. There was no pretense or fabrcation in their being. Wonderfully authentic , caring persons who always had a smile or pleasant word to share. She, and they, enriched our lives beautifully. Real Amercan heroes we will remember.
Jeanne Prout Delicata
enero 6, 2021
She was such a kind and gentle woman. My sympathy her family and friends.
Ross Green
enero 6, 2021
Growing up in Auburn there was ONLY one place to get fresh corn and that was the Berry farm. Many wonderful memories including the tremendous help she and Paul provided when I entered politics. They were lifelong friends of my family and will remain in our hearts forever. We will especially miss her Christmas cards arriving every year and her beautiful penmanship. Lots of love to Jane and Nancy.
Ross &Judi Green
Lacey Donle
enero 5, 2021
I played trombone with Margaret in the Bath Municipal Band. We always looked forward to the nights she could join practice or concerts. I learned a lot from her and admired the way she made top notch playing look so effortless. Margaret had exceptional skill with the trombone and was generous and humble with her talent, sharing tips and tricks freely and graciously to help newcomers such as myself improve and grow. Knowing her was a blessing and her kindness and genuine warm smile will be missed.
Sharon Pulkkinen
enero 4, 2021
So many memories of sweet Peg. I see the picture of that smiling face reminds me of my Gram who was her mother's sister. A Norton for sure. We visited the farm often to buy veggies and visit with the family. She tried to teach me the french horn and was so patient. On my wedding day in 1966 I was proud to be wearing her veil. Hers was always the first Christmas card every year - including this year - and I will always remember that smile. She was one in a million. Hugs to Nancy and Jane.
Dorothy Bowyer
enero 4, 2021
I was 12 years old when we moved across the street from Margaret and her Aunt Alice. I was playing the trombone within a year! Margaret was a great teacher and friend. Great memories of chatting on our porches in the evenings and car rides. Rest in peace my dear Margaret - - you will never be forgotten.
Ken andrews
enero 4, 2021
I will never forget that lovely lady. We were related.... My grandmother and her mother were sisters. The memories from the farm ,the school bus rides with the EL band, the farm stand. So many wonderful times with that family. My sincere condolances to Nancy and Jane.
Patricia Mcnelly
enero 4, 2021
I was blessed to grow up knowing such a spirit. She had powers of love and light and faith and music, and spunkiness( can hear her laughing now). Is that even a word? " You bet it is!" It is when your talking about aunt peg. Someone you talk about to others with pride and admiration because it was just good to be around her, to have a good conversation with her, to feel her warmth of human kindness. My mother susan used to tell me stories of living on the berry farm. It was a time she cherished. Uncle paul and aunt peg had it, that magic, that you could see , that connection you read about in books and see in movies. I took my family to maine because I wanted them to get to know her, she was a gift. She is missed but I will smile knowing that I knew an earth angel in every true sense of the word. " I see that sun catcher you gave me every morning Patricia and I think of you!". It was nice to know someone was thinking about me everyday. I think of her everyday too she was my sun catcher it catches light and sends it out brighter.
Bernadette Ventura-Warfel
enero 4, 2021
Farewell Margaret. Join the big brass jam session in the sky. Thank you for being such an important part of my early life with music.
Jeremy Doane
enero 4, 2021
My memory is generally playing with Margaret in the Fanfare Concert Band. She was always the happiest person I knew. I always arrived early before our concerts to talk to her.
Calvin & Judy Hunter
enero 3, 2021
Rest In Peace beautiful lady. Thank you for being our friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Calvin & Judy
Susan Paige
enero 3, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Margaret's passing. She was such a class act from the moment I met her in the Auburn Band till the last time I saw her before I moved to Florida. She inspired me with my music. She inspired me with her zest for life! Margaret was a gem and I am a better person for having known her. Rest in peace my friend and I am so glad you are with the love of your life, Paul, again.
Florence Mileikis
enero 3, 2021
Margaret and I were friends from the West Auburn Congregational Church.I was relatively new there and I sought her out because she had sent me a birthday card. When I met her she not only looked like my Mom but they had the same name and was a lovely lady like my Mom. That was beginning of our friendship.I sent her a card a few weeks before she died and it was to a giver from a grateful receiver.Margaret called to thank me for the card.
I started a choir at our church two years ago and when I asked her to join us she said “you bet I will”
Rest In Peace as you so well deserve dear Margaret.
My best to Margaret’s family.
Sincerely,Florrie
Tasha Cooper
enero 3, 2021
So very sorry for your loss. Margaret was a wonderful woman. We will miss her. Ted & Tasha Cooper
linda pearl
enero 3, 2021
Jane, Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jane has been a friend for many years. You Mom was a wonderful and kind lady and will be missed by all. She is now with your Dad and in no more pain. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Deborah Doucette
enero 3, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this special lady. I will miss her smile, her love of life and her kindness. It was an honor to call her my friend. My thanks to her for giving her love to my daughter and grandchildren. We will never forget her.
Melanie Ward
enero 3, 2021
I feel so fortunate to have known Margaret and played trombone with her for a number of years in the Auburn Community Band. She was an inspiration and one of the finest people I’ve ever known. My deepest condolences to her family.
Barbara Farris Petty
enero 3, 2021
I have known Margaret my whole life. She was very close friends and neighbors with my grandparents, Winnie and Matt Anker who was waiting to see her again in Heaven. Paul and she gave a really nice 50 anniversary party for my grandparents when they were alive. My husband and I stopped by a couple of years ago when we were visiting from Texas. We really had a nice time rememising about every thing. She has such a beautiful home and she was such a nice person. She will be missed by everyone. Margaret tell everyone hello up there.
martha Holbrook
enero 3, 2021
So many things to remember about your Mom. She was a most beautiful person inside and out. I came to know her when she and your Dad would visit at the Hersey Hill School house in the fall when our family had it opened to sell surplus veggies. The two of them would stop by and visit and I always learned something special at these times--perhaps a story that one of them would share, perhaps Your Mom and I would talk flowers, especially glads and dahilas because we both loved them. Let your memories of her warm your hearts in the days and months to come. With Sympathy, Martha and Erland Holbrook
Melissa Meserve
enero 3, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a lovely person and friend to all of her bandmates. I spent a lot of time talking to her and getting to know her in Fanfare Concert band. Her smile and love for music was contagious. Sending prayers to her family and fellow bandmates.
Sonny Begin
enero 3, 2021
I will miss all the good times we had, in the 26, years you were in The Auburn Community Concert Band. You taught me so much. Love
Sonny❤️
Sarah Glynn
enero 3, 2021
So saddened... Margaret's love of music and people was infectious. A truly beautiful person who would always light up a room with her smile. Our bands will miss her...
Denise Leavitt
enero 3, 2021
Margaret was always so kind to me as part of the Auburn Community Concert Band. Before rehearsals I would sit and chat with her about grandkids, music, and the band. I have been with the band over 20 years I could always depend on her kindness. We had a connection that surprised me I remember the sight of Berry farm and the fact finding that her husband was my high school bus driver in 1969-1970. I will miss her greatly.
Roseann (Rosie) Harlow
enero 3, 2021
Going to miss you Aunt Peg, but know you are happy to be with uncle Paul, n rest of your family. Going to miss getting together for coffee,but when I join you in Heaven someday, we'll have coffee together again!! You lived a good life n your rest is well deserved ❤. Give my Dad n Mom a big hug n let them know we are doing fine.
I LOVE YOU, Roe💔💋
Sally Ritchie Lavertue
enero 3, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Peggy's daughters and family. I have known and loved her for over 70 years and was the flower girl at her wedding to Paul. Many happy summers spent on the farm with them when I was young and now will miss her letters very much. She was always a beautiful lady.
Donna and Chummy Boisvert
enero 3, 2021
Thinking of you and your family. Sorry for loss.
Jonathan Richards
enero 3, 2021
Love her so much. I am at a lost in the mornings. I would call her at least 5 days a week. We made some wonderful music together. I was the luckiest trombone player to be her last trombone student. We won't tell the others. I think I was her favorite. She came to many of my concerts with the 195th Army Band from Bangor Maine. I will count my blessings every day knowing how much we meant to each other. Love and miss you. Your best friend Jonathan
Frances McCabe
enero 2, 2021
Jane, Nancy and families,
Please accept my most sincere and heart felt condolences for your loss. Margaret and I have been best friends for many years. I will treasure those memories forever.
Love Frances
Jill Bruce
enero 2, 2021
Jane & Nancy,
My condolences on the loss of your mother. She was such a wonderful person. I had to laugh each year, including this one, when she had her Christmas cards out in the mail before anyone else. Enjoyed hearing her play in the Community Band as well as at West Auburn church. She will be missed.