Jane Sue Berry

Jane Sue Berry, 69 of St. Joseph, passed away in her home on April 10, 2008, surrounded by her family, after a long, brave fight with ovarian cancer. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 14, 2008, at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Rd., Stevensville, with Rev. Gordon Barry officiating. Burial will follow in Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor. Visitation is from 1:00-4:00 P.M., Sunday, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s memory to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to send a condolence message online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Jane was born on February 21, 1939 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Harold W. and Erna (Schuchknecht) Peapples. Harold preceded her in death in 1961; Erna in 1980, as well as her brother Harold “Jack” Peapples in 1980; sister-in-law, Barbie Arnburg in 1998; sister Joan Carol (Jerry) Planutis in 2006. On April 23, 1960, in Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, she wed Richard Norton “Dick” Berry. Dick survives her, along with daughter, Christine (Jim) Priebe and granddaughters Alyssa Christine, Kayzie Nicole and Jennifer Lauren of Granger, Indiana; son, Scott (Angela) Berry and grandchildren Kaleb Charles and Kendall Jane of Stevensville; nephew and great-niece John and Emily Planutis of Bridgman; niece Claire (Scott) Place of AZ, as well as a nephew Philip Wheatley of MO. Jane attended primary and intermediate school at Trinity Lutheran School. She was a proud 1957 graduate of St. Joseph High School. Jane graduated from Carnegie College in Cleveland, Ohio with a Medical Assisting Degree. Her first post educational job was at the dental office of Dr. E. H. Ward, St. Joseph. It was at her job as dental assistant that Jane met her husband to be. Jane was a past member of Trinity Lutheran Church; St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and is currently a member of Stevensville United Methodist Church where she often served as a greeter and Usher. Jane was active in planning each class reunion that the St. Joseph High Class of 1957 held, and remained close with many of her fellow class mates. She was also a long time bowler in the Monday Night League at Lakeshore Lanes where she held quite a high average. Jane served as President of the Lakeshore Jaycees Auxiliary Women’s Group, as well as being a member of Lakeshore Junior Women’s club and a life time member of the Women’s Service League. During and after the Vietnam War, Jane sold hundreds of P.O.W. bracelets honoring the service men of our country. She was also a long time volunteer at the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen. Although a St. Joe Bear, through and through, Jane became an avid Lakeshore Lancer fan, while supporting her children through their school years. She remained a fan even after her children moved on. After her daughter Chris married and moved to South Bend, Jane became quite the Notre Dame fan. Her favorite sport being Fighting Irish Basketball, of which she was a season ticket holder. Jane had countless friends from all over, including her gang from both Sanibel Island and Magician Lake, where she and Dick owned a cottage since 1987. Although Jane was a stay at home mom, and one of the most dependable volunteers in her children’s classes, she was also able to work with Dick at their family business, Lakeshore Looseleaf, after her children were grown. Both Jane and Dick were long time member of Berrien Hills Country Club and the St. Joseph River Yacht Club. Jane had many hobbies including gardening, cooking, traveling, shopping and her favorite – spending time with her grandchildren and watching them excel in their many sports and activities. Jane’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Michael Rodriguez and all his caring staff at Michiana Hematology and Oncology, the wonderful staff at Hospice at Home, Comfort Keepers, Dr. Bukhari, as well as Great Lakes Gastroenterology and all of her many friends that sent cards, flowers, meals, prayers and words of continued encouragement and faith. Mom, all the “commotion” is over. You fought the brave fight, never giving up. You can now rest in peace forever. We love you! “True Story”