BERRY (nee: Hollett), Jacqueline “Jackie” (Ethel)
August 27, 1930 – April 30, 2021
On April 30, 2021 in the early morning hours as two tears trickled down her right cheek Jackie took her last breath with family at her bedside holding her hands as she reunited with the love of her life Johnny.
Jacqueline (Ethel) Berry, nee Hollett, was born on August 27, 1930 in Burin Bay, Newfoundland to Captain Frederick and Emily Hollett.
She is survived by her son, Shane; daughter, Heather (Joey) Alcock; grandsons, Fraser and Niles; niece, Sharon Weippert, grand nephews and neices Todd Weippert (Carol McMullan); sons Tyler and Nicholas, Chris Weippert (Lisa Gregory) and Kim Weippert; sister-in-law, Fran Berry, Gouldie Hollett and many more relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, John Berry; sisters, Guinevere (Graham Sr.) Inkpen, Verna Fillier (Rev. Jack), and Beatrice (Art)Wrixon; brothers, Frank and Tom Hollett; nephews, Graham Jr Inkpen and Nelson Weippert; in-laws; Roy and Mary Berry; brother-in-law’s, Alfie Berry, Jim Berry and Bob (Barbara) Berry; sister-in-law, Margaret (Roger) Lesperance.
She loved to share stories of how as a young girl she would get home from school floating on ice flows, by jumping between them to hasten her arrival home. She was a serious basketball player in those days being one of the taller members of her family at 5 ‘8”. In her younger years she and her sisters attended many elegant parties. On the way to one of these parties’ misfortune struck their vehicle and it veered off a bridge and the crystal trifle bowl in the back window struck her in the head causing her to become unconscious. By a stroke of luck, a man jumped in to save her life. We never had the guts to ask if she saved the trifle.
From Newfoundland, Jackie travelled to Montreal adventure abounded and met the love of her life John. When she and John lived in Montreal, they were surrounded by celebrities and dignitaries due to John's role with the Montreal Police Force. Ben's smoked meat, St Hubert's Barbeque Chicken and bagels were some of the things she missed when they moved to Thunder Bay.
Jackie worked at Sherwin-Williams while residing in Montreal. Her and John used to laugh at how they used house paint to spruce up an old Anglia car. This car took them on many trips near and far, the last adventure with the car involved a transmission and a hill that the car had an inability to climb. Upon retirement she and husband John hit the road in a big 5th wheel for several years making many new friends and traced counterparts as she made those around her fans of Red Rose tea - pity they changed it.
Mom was an extremely cautious driver, especially during the winter months. Although it was a ten-minute walk to school if we were getting a ride to school with mom, we would have to leave an 1/2 hour earlier so we would not be late.
She had an eye for detailed even in a crisis the slightest minute detail such as a lamp shade being crooked drove her crazy.
She loved to entertain and would celebrate every holiday with the house all decked out for every special occasion. Jackie had a big heart and infectious smile and loved to be around others and help anyone she could. She loved to travel and being outdoors and once we kids were old enough summers were spent camping across Canada and the United States. Everything she touched she would make beautiful, campgrounds included as she had an eye for exquisite things and decorated with great style.
She loved to shop and if she could not make the trek to the mall the home shopping channel was her best friend. Jackie could always be counted on to let you know of the latest fashions.
Every job Jackie held she did well, and her employers were sad to see her go as she advanced in her career ultimately retiring from the City of Thunder Bay as an Archive Clerk.
Most of all Jackie loved her family. She would call everyday to check in, to tell her grandsons jokes and make sure to say goodnight, no matter what time it was, this was especially important to her. Although family was Jackie's rock, she always had a twinkle in her eye when talking about Newfoundland and had hoped to visit again to show us around.
Jackie was a big sports fan, and her favorite players were her grandsons. Every chance she had, she would be at games and tournaments cheering them on or calling between games to see how they did. She enjoyed hockey and one of her last trips was with her husband John when they travelled to Winnipeg to see the Montreal Canadians play the Winnipeg Jets.
Jackie loved to sit at home in her recliner for hours on end and rarely slept in her bed. Her recliner was a place of comfort and security and those nurse’s who knew my mom well, knew her bed was the last place she wanted to be.
Although Jackie appreciated all the care she received from the nurses at Pinecrest, being around her family and being able to go outside was important to her. This was something she was not allowed to do during the last year with Covid restrictions, a place she once called home became a prison as she longed to visit her family, going out for meals and shopping.
Many thanks to Dr. Margaret Anthes, Dr. Shannon Wiebe and the wonderful nursing staff at Pinecrest. Jackie spoke fondly of Shirley, Sharon McIssac, Jody the wonderful housekeeper and Lynn from activation, whom she looked forward to there visits as it brightened her spirits when family couldn’t be there.
Jackie will be greatly missed for her beautiful smile, kindness, generosity and great stories.
A private family Celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation