Terry Lynn Berg

In Loving Memory of My Mother

July 4, 1945 – August 5, 2026

Sunrise in Detroit, MI and Sunset in Seattle, WA

Terry lived a life defined by deep compassion, vibrant creativity, her own style of humor and an unwavering devotion to her family. She passed away on August 5 at the age of 81 leaving behind a legacy of care, beauty, and warmth that will live on in all who knew her.

For 30+ years, Terry served as a dedicated nurse, bringing comfort, strength, wit and quiet grace to patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. Her natural empathy made her exceptional at her work, and her patient, soothing presence was a gift to everyone under her care. She truly exemplified what it meant to heal others, both in body and spirit. In her later years, she translated that same deep sensitivity into an artistic practice. As an artist, Terry saw beauty where others saw the mundane. Whether painting with vivid watercolors, working with mixed media, or working in her studio, her artwork reflected her bright soul and unique perspective on the world. Her creations remain cherished treasures on the walls and mantles of her family and friends and all remember her photographs of angels! Above all her accomplishments, her favorite and most cherished role was being a grandmother. To her grandchildren, "Grams" was a source of endless warmth, patience, and imagination. She delighted in teaching them how to paint, telling stories, and creating a home filled with laughter, art supplies, and love. She entertained them for hours with her mischievousness and curious nature!

She is survived by her children, Brianna, Lisa, Edward her grandchildren, Cameron, Antonella and Lucy; and her husband John and other family members, sister Gayle and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Eldon, mother Muriam, brother Greg, sister Carri and her step daughter Catherine.

Love you and will miss you deeply!

Terry Lynn Berg, born July 4, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away suddenly on August 4th 2026 at home after many medical issues over the past years. The oldest child of Muriam and Eldon Kauffman, Terry had a sister Gayle and a brother Greg (deceased) by her mother’s first marriage and a stepsister Carrie (deceased) by her mother’s marriage to Joseph Furci after her father’s sudden death while Terry was a teenager.

Graduating from high school, she attended nursing school at Harper Hospital in Detroit, meeting her first husband Bill Kellogg shortly after graduating. They moved to Santa Barbara California where Bill attended school, and their first Daughter Brianna was born in 1971. Moving to Germany where Bill was in school and traveling throughout Europe for a time, they returned to the Northwest where Bill became a schoolteacher and their second daughter Lisa was born. Subsequently becoming a single mother, Terry returned to nursing, juggling a career and taking care of Lisa who was developmentally disabled. Lisa required more care over time and went to live in group homes, settling in a wonderful adult home in Bellevue where she resides today. While working at Pacific Medical Center in Seattle, she met her second husband John, whom she married in 1992 and moved to West Seattle from her home in Kirkland. She continued to work as a nurse and John as a pharmacist until she retired in the late 1990s, deciding to pursue photography after attending the Art Institute of Seattle. Having a storefront and later home business proved difficult, so she pivoted to lifelong love of art in its many forms. She worked in many mediums including fiber art, collage, painting , jewelry and finally ceramics. She developed many lifelong friendships with friends in the several art groups that she belonged to over time.

Terry is survived by her blended family of Bri, Lisa and John’s children Edward and Catherine (deceased). Her grandchildren Antonella, Cameron Journey, and Lucy will greatly miss her warmth, generosity and overwhelming love of life.

A Celebration of Terry's Life will be held on Labor Day, September 7th, at 3:30PM, at the C and P Coffee Company at 5612 California Ave SW in West Seattle. Street parking on California and 42nd Ave SW, one block east. RSVP appreciated.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and leave any messages or stories for the family.