Jean C. Berry

Jean C. Berry, age 97, of Collins Landing East passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home on Sunday morning with her family by her side.

Jean was born in Williamsport, PA on November 16, 1927 the daughter of Muriel and Mabel Howell Campbell. She lived in Ithaca, NY and graduated from Ithaca High School. Jean completed her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and graduated from Keuka College.

While she was in High School, she met the love of her life, in 10th grade Geometry class, William (Bill) L. Berry. They married in Ithaca on September 2, 1950 at The First Baptist Church, after Bill returned from serving time with the Army in Japan during WWII. Bill Berry passed away on September 10, 2018.

 Upon her graduation from Keuka College, Jean worked as a Social Worker for Tompkins County NY and later for Jefferson County MI while Bill was at University of Michigan pursuing his Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Upon the birth of their first child, Peggy, Jean became a full time Homemaker, always a loving mother, and devoted wife.

Jean and Bill lived in NJ during Bill’s working career. Jean was an active member of The First Baptist Church in Somerville, NJ and on the Ladies Golf League at Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield NJ. Beginning with their Honeymoon on Wintergreen Island, Bill and Jean spent every summer at the River! Following Bill’s retirement, the River became their permanent home. She enjoyed golf and was on the Alexandria Bay Ladies Golf League. Jean was an avid gardener, always supportive and an active volunteer in her community for various causes, and loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Peggy Jean and R. Stephen Hale, Alexandria Bay, a son and daughter-in-law Ted William and Debi Berry, Middlefield, CT, brother Donald Campbell, Clemson, SC, and 6 grandchildren, Sara Hale, London, UK, Russell Hale, Denver, CO, Kelly Hale, Utica, NY, Kevin Hale, London, UK, Tyler Berry, Ridgewood, NY, and Janelle Berry, White Plains, NY. Besides her husband Bill, she was predeceased by her daughter Joan Elizabeth Berry in 1961.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 4th from 1-3pm at Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home beginning at 3pm, with Rev. Marc Thomas officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s name to Hospice of Jefferson County at jeffersonhospice.org, River Hospital at riverhospital.org, or the Alexandria Bay Rescue Squad, 110 Walton St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.