Mary Collier Berlin

Mary Collier Berlin, age 94, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. A native of Brownwood, Texas, Mary was born on May 6, 1932, to Eula Collier (née Fudderer) and Claude C. Collier. She was the youngest of six children and the last surviving member of her family.

Mary grew up on a dairy farm near Goldthwaite, Texas and was no stranger to hard work from an early age. While working in Fort Worth, she met a young man named Thomas W. Berlin, who was stationed at Carswell Air Force Base. They fell in love, married in 1953, and spent the next 53 years together until Thomas’ death in 2006. Their two daughters, Martha and Kimberly, were born while they were living in Fort Worth, and their son, Blake, joined the family during a later assignment in Altus, Oklahoma. Thomas’ military career also took the family to Puerto Rico and other locales.

After completing her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, Mary began what would become a long and rewarding career as a special education teacher, primarily in Midland, Texas. She was particularly proud of earning her degrees while working and helping raise her young family.

Following their retirement, Mary and Thomas spent countless hours traveling across the United States in their motorhome. They also enjoyed memorable trips to Europe. After seeing much of what the country had to offer, they eventually settled in Panorama Village and later The Woodlands, near Houston. Following Thomas’ death in 2006, their daughter Martha moved in with Mary to help her, first with daily living and later with more hands-on care as needed. In 2013, Mary moved to San Antonio to be closer to more of her family.

Despite the many moves throughout her life, Mary maintained close friendships with three friends she had known since elementary school. Even as the years passed and the miles between them grew, they remained in regular contact, speaking with one another by telephone.

Mary was an extremely organized and intelligent woman, qualities that served her well throughout her career helping students who needed additional support. At the same time, she had a creative side that brought her great enjoyment. Her family will continue to cherish the paintings she created, primarily in watercolor but also in acrylic, as well as her pencil drawings.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 53 years, Thomas W. Berlin; her siblings, Claude, Jr., Rex, and Doug Collier, Elaine Laughlin, and Nan Haynes; and her granddaughter, Samantha Dyches.

She is survived by her children, Martha Berlin, Kim Dyches and her husband, Tom, and Blake Berlin and his wife, Kim; grandchildren, Stephanie Berlin and Eric Dyches; great-grandchildren, Ainsley Weiss, Kayla Dyches, and Landry Dyches; as well as numerous extended family members.

Mary was always a woman who knew what she wanted, and she made it clear to her family that she did not wish to have a formal funeral service. In keeping with her wishes, memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas; the San Antonio Public Library; or another charitable organization that can make a meaningful impact in your own community.