Elaine Marie Berry

Elaine Berry was born and raised in Atlantic Mine, Michigan and passed away at the age of 91 peacefully in her home in Plano, Texas on January 6, 2021. She was the daughter of Einard and Anna Alma Keranen and was the fifth of nine children. She met Donald L. Berry in Houghton, Michigan while Donald was attending Michigan Tech. Donald transferred to Colorado School of Mines in 1948 and married Elaine in Golden, Colorado. Where she worked as a bank cashier.

Elaine was a self-taught accomplished seamstress and won many awards and prizes at the Washington County Fair in Dewey, Oklahoma and sewed for many friends and family members. What she made with her hands she gave with her heart. Being in her sewing room was her little peace of heaven on earth. She also enjoyed cross stitching, quilting, cooking, camping, biking, gardening, and entertaining friends, and family members. There were many fond memories of family and friend campouts with the Buelow and Bassett families, family vacations to Michigan, California, and Arkansas, family card games, and bridge club nights. Traveling treasure boxes that still are being used to date, morning bike rides with ammonia bottles in hand for potential dog chases along the ride, family gathering pasty making, family goop recipe, cheesy mashed potatoes, thimbleberry jam, chicken salad, monster cookies always in the freezer, large container of Peanut M&Ms in the house and large tin container in the car under her seat of hard candies (butterscotch was her favorite), rolls of coins from metal detecting finds, playing with her “free with purchase” beauty department store makeup gifts, large wooden treasure toy box, Elk Lodge Bingo nights, swimming with no splash hair rule, rock hunting, and sand dune surfing, and of course her smile are just a few of the grandchildren’s fondest memories. It was never about giving things, but more about spending time with her grandchildren that was important to her. She was not only the neighborhood mom in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where all children would gather in her home, but she was also the nominated grandmother to long time Houston neighborhood friends’ children of the Maldonado’s (Mary and Mellissa). She was an excellent cook and baker. Her Finnish Rye and Cardamon bread were always a favorite during holiday time. She was happiest in her kitchen. She always had plenty to eat for all who entered her home, including last minute guests and she kept a meticulous home. She was proud of her heritage and would not hesitate to let all know that she was 100% Finnish (Sisu – Proud Finn).

Elaine was a substitute teacher for Bartlesville, Oklahoma ISD and worked as a Cafeteria Manager for Alief, Texas ISD. She was a Girl Scout Troup Leader for years with her life-time friend Vonda Lewis. She was a member and treasurer of the Dallas Gem and Mineral and Metal Detecting Houston Archeology and Recovery, and Golden Triangle Explorers Society Clubs. She enjoyed being with the many friends in each club and traveling to the many hunts. Elaine was always lucky in winning many hunt drawings and finds. Elaine had a passion for owls and collected many figurines and pictures of various species. Elaine lived a very full and rewarding life. If you were to ask her what her biggest passion and accomplishment in life was, she would say her family. She always spoke highly and was very proud of her family. Each were the center of her life. Her family will miss her immensely but knows that she is in our loving Heavenly Father’s arms surrounded by her heavenly family gone before her.

The Day God Called You Home

God looked around His garden,

and found an empty space.

Then He looked down upon the earth

and saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you,

lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful,

for He only takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering.

He knew you were in pain.

He saw the road was getting rough,

and the hills were hard to climb.

So, He closed your weary eyes,

and whispered, “Peace be thine”.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

but you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

Survived by:

Brother Paul Keranen and wife Phillis Keranen - Interlochen, Michigan

Husband – Donald L. Berry – Plano, Texas

Son – Douglas Berry and wife Karen Berry – Weatherford, Texas

Daughter – Diana Case – Plano, Texas

Son – William Berry and wife Maria Berry- Plano, Texas

Grandchildren – Michelle Briggs, Christina Berry, Brian Berry, James Berry

Great Grandchildren – Hannah Briggs Hooper and husband Judah Hooper,

Leisha Briggs, Abigail Briggs, Noah Briggs, Elijah Briggs,

Lilly Briggs, Avalon Berry, Elena Berry, Olivia Berry,

Daniel Berry and Nellie Berry

Great Great Grand Child – Jubal Hooper

Proceeded in Death By:

Father – Einard George Keranen

Mother – Anna Alma Alina Kemppainen Keranen

Brother - Douglas Keranen

Brother – John Melvin Keranen

Sister – Annamae (Ann) Evelyn Venezia and Husband Anthony Venezia

Sister – Shirley Lucille Line and Husband Edward Line

Brother - Donald (Ducky) Felix Keranen

Brother – Werner Rudolph (Rudy) Keranen

Brother – David Keranen