Helen J. Berry

Mrs. Helen J. Berry, formerly of Springfield, died June 29, 2007 in Charlotte, NC. She was born on September 29, 1917 in Fairview, Illinois, the daughter of the late Glen and Mabel Hill. She was valedictorian of her class at Fairview High School and attended business college in Peoria, Illinois. She married Charles E. Berry in 1938 and was a resident of Springfield for fifty-eight years. Mrs. Berry was employed at the Land of Lincoln Girl Scouts Office, the United Community Services and retired from the Illinois Department of Public Health in 1980. She attended Lincoln Land Community College in the early 1990’s and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. In Springfield, Mrs. Berry was a charter member of the S & B Women’s Group. She was a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for forty-seven years; where she was a dedicated volunteer at Blessed Sacrament Grade School and a devoted aid to the Ursuline Sisters. She was also a member of St. Louise de Marillac Guild, Samaritans of St. John’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Home Coterie, Springfield Art Association, Illinois State Museum Society, Springfield Women’s Club, Illinois State Retiree Association, Friends of Lincoln Library and the Fairview High School Alumni Association. She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1998. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Berry in 1959 and her infant son, Charles Bruce Berry in 1944. She is survived by her son, Richard Hill Berry and his wife Sheila McGrail of Charlotte, North Carolina; two step-grandchildren and their spouses in Virginia; two step-grandchildren and their spouses in California and sixteen great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a Prayer Service at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. David Hoefler officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 6, 2007 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 175 S. Walnut St., Springfield, with Rev. David Hoefler officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Fairview, Illinois with a Graveside Service at 1:30 p.m. with, Rev. Bruce King, I. C. officiating. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 6 Drawbridge Road, Suite 4, Springfield, Illinois 62704 or charity of donor’s choice.