Deborah "Deb" Ann Berry

Born and raised on Chicago’s south side, she grew up resilient and grounded. She married her husband, Kerry - the cutest boy she ever saw - in 1971. Together they built their dream house in Orland Park. Deb & Kerry raised their children Jason & Sara there and navigated life’s challenges and successes together. They filled their home with treasures from their many adventures and achieved her life goal of visiting all fifty states by the age of 50. Ever the adventurer, Deb even fulfilled a longtime dream by going on safari in Africa.

Deb’s compassion and care for other’s knew no bounds. After earning her Master of Social Work she dedicated her career to serving the children and families of Forest Ridge School District 142. She touched the lives of countless students with small acts of kindness, swirls of cotton candy, and unwavering support.

While Deb led a big beautiful life, it was little things that meant the most: a frosty Diet Coke, a floaty pen souvenir, a Motown tune on the radio, a good book to share, or an NPR driveway moment.

Deb was preceded in death by her husband, Kerry Berry. She is survived by her son, Jason Berry and his wife, Mary; her daughter, Sara McLoudrey, and her husband, Mark; and her favorite grandson, Callan McLoudrey. She is also remembered fondly by extended family and friends.

All are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at Lake Katherine Nature Center, 7402 W Lake Katherine Drive; Palos Heights, IL 60463. Please stop by at any time to share stories, memories, and time together as we celebrate her life.

She will be interred alongside Kerry in a private ceremony at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to South Suburban PADS or Bernie’s Book Bank, two organizations close to her heart.

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.”