Catherine M. "Kitty" Berry's Obituary
It is with great sadness that our mom and grandma, Catherine “Kitty” Berry, age 87, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at her home. Kitty was born in Natchez, Mississippi and later moved to New Orleans and then Flint, Michigan where she met her husband, Ken. They raised their family in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
Kitty was the best mom -- the cool mom who drove a Corvette, the pretty mom with frosted then silver hair, the best nurse, teacher, cook, coach, shopping and road trip buddy. She taught us how to drive, how to be kind and how to be good humans. We are going to remember ALL the holidays and carry on those traditions with our families, even though Keely has claimed the turkey platter. We are going to remember how special each birthday was for her children and grandchildren and how she sweat every detail for all the life events. The graduation parties were particularly special, with loud music and lots of beer. She had a love for all things fun and an eye for details, both of which she has passed on to the women of her family.
Whether she was entertaining friends, hosting luncheons for coworkers or wining and dining her husband’s real estate clients, she was a force to be reckoned with. She was constantly busy, both at work and at home, often times running herself ragged.
Before she had children, she worked for Dr. Schappach and Dr. Benton in Flint. After her daughters were born, she was a stay-at-home mom until she went back to work for Grand Blanc Community Schools in 1978. She worked as an attendance office assistant and later as the librarian at McGrath Elementary School. Her love for children and books was the perfect combination for this job and she loved every minute of it. She created an environment in her library much like she did in her home— it was the perfect place for anyone to fall in love with reading.
Most of all we will remember her kindness. How she cared for not just her family but everyone around her. She was selfless, fearless, fierce with a vibrant and vivacious spirit. Her laughter was infectious. She was a natural caregiver to her husband during his illness and whenever any of us were sick. She even thought she was supposed to take care of her fellow residents at the assisted living facility.
Though her last few years were challenging, we were able to find laughter and joy among the difficulties. These moments served as a great reminder that happiness in the moment is the best thing any of us can shoot for. Alzheimer’s took her from us far too early and robbed us precious time with her. We are grateful that she is able to be her true self again.
Kitty is preceded in death by her parents, Ella (Mince) and Julius Cunningham, her husband Ken Berry, and her siblings, Charles “Chick” Cunningham, Bill Cunningham, Dorothy Cleveland, Bob Cunningham and Pete Cunningham. She leaves behind her daughter Keely, son-in-law Matt VanDort. Her daughter Kelly, son-in-law Raymond DePaul. Grandchildren Jason VanDort, Ashley VanDort and Grace DePaul. Great grandchildren, Avery and Paige VanDort. Kitty is also survived by her aunt and childhood friend Ruth Abdo and her nephew, Dane Cunningham who visited and checked on her regularly. Kitty also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
There will be no public viewing or service. We will celebrate our mom, grandma, great grammy’s life privately and hold a graveside service as a family at Evergreen Cemetery in Grand Blanc, MI.
We would like to thank the friends, family and many caregivers for Kitty and all of us. If you know someone with Alzheimer’s, please don’t forget them. While they may not recognize you, your visit or cards are so appreciated. Bringing a smile to someone’s face is a wonderful thing. A special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the care and comfort they have provided. Memorial contributions can be sent to Gentiva Hospice, 625 Kenmoor Avenue SE #115, Grand Rapids, MI, 49456 or your local library.
Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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