Mary Margaret Berry

mary berry

September 2, 1932 ~ February 10, 2023

Born in: Galway, Ireland
Resided in: Stony Brook & formerly of Westbury, NY

Mary Margaret Greene (known fondly as the Irish Queen) passed peacefully in her sleep at her daughter’s home in Stony Brook on the 10th of February 2023.

Mary was born in her childhood home in Galway, Ireland on September 2nd, 1932. She came to the United States and became a citizen along with her parents Margaret and Colman and her sister, Christine (who predeceased her in 2020), and beloved and devoted brother, Thomas. Proud American citizens they always stayed close to their Irish heritage and initially moved to the Bronx in 1937. Their home was always the center of activity with many relatives from the Old Country visiting frequently. Irish step-dancing, singing and accordion playing were featured at every occasion. In 1948 they moved to their beautiful new home in Hollis Queens.

Mary proudly graduated in 1950 from Cathedral High School for Girls. This is where she met her lifelong friend, Mary Gill, who predeceased her 3 weeks ago. She and Mary worked in the historical Horn & Hardart automat and remained friends throughout their lifetime, even celebrating their 80th birthdays together with their families on a Bermuda cruise. Mary began her career with the Federal Government in 1951. After having her family, she would resume her career with Nassau County Department of Purchase and Supply where she was an Administrative Asst. until her retirement in 1990.

Mary was predeceased by the love of her life, Bill Berry. They married in 1953 and had 4 children. Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She and Bill enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. Mary became a full-time caretaker for her beloved husband as he began the long journey of Alzheimer’s. She never left his side in his 20-year journey and he passed in 2006. Mary and Bill were role models for their children as they remained loyal, dedicated and committed partners for over 53 years.

Mary was an active member of her parish in Laurel and was a volunteer for numerous parish activities throughout the years. She was an extraordinary minister and an active member of the local community. She had many wonderful friends at the Southold Senior Center where she enjoyed her daily visits until the pandemic. She then relocated to her daughter’s home in Stony Brook where she enjoyed the next years in the love and company of her daughter and son-in- law. She fondly referred to her new residence as “the resort” and enjoyed beach walks, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Mary was blessed with 4 children: Bill and his wife Joann and their son Christopher; Christine (Dee) and her husband and devoted son-in-law Tony and their sons, Ryan (Kara), Anthony and Kevin (Brittany); Kevin and his wife Kerry and their sons, Alexander and Aidan; Paul and his wife Marianne and their children Caileigh and Timmy. Our Nanny was recently blessed with her beloved and beautiful new great granddaughter, Lily, whom she adored.

Mary was an avid baker, reader, vacationer, storyteller, and volunteer. But what she most enjoyed in life was spending time with her family. She was devoted to them, and to them, she was The Irish Queen. She will be missed beyond words, but her memory will live on in our lives as she has touched all of us in immeasurable ways – until we meet again – We Love You Forever!

Services

Visitation: February 14, 2023 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Mass: February 15, 2023 9:45 am

St. Patrick's R C Church Smithtown
280 E Main St
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Interment:

Calverton National Cemetery
210 Princeton Blvd.
CALVERTON, NY


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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Mary Margaret Berry 's name.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

322 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001
322 8th Ave., NY
(866) 232-8484
www.alzfdn.org

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