Gracia Berry

Gracia P. “Gay” Berry, 85, of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021. She was born in Duluth, MN on May 17, 1936 (which made her “more” Norwegian than Swedish according to her mom as she was born on Norway’s Constitution Day).  Gay grew up in Duluth and after high school graduation, attended Wheaton College, graduating in 1958. 

Gay and Don were married a year later, and moved from Illinois to Wisconsin, Minnesota and back to Illinois.  Over the years, Gay was involved in the Sanctuary Choir, Faithbuilders, Covenant Group and Lunch Bunch, taught Sunday School and joined the high school students on mission trips with Donthru church, Young Life, PTA and Homeowners Associations.  She was the consummate hostess, welcoming family and friends when they visited Chicago with homemade meals and a place to stay. She enjoyed working at Lisle High School and Glenbard West in the libraries.  Retirement gave her more time to enjoy her grandchildren. From babysitting to dance recitals, soccer, baseball, basketball and softball games, band and orchestra concerts, knitting each grandchild a Christmas stocking or making each their favorite meal, going to any and all school events to adventures out to parks or the arboretum, she and Don were kept busy!  They were constant companions, friends, sailors, proud grandparents, super fans, avid readers, students of the bible and loving couple.

Gay is the beloved wife of the late Don V. Berry. Loving mother of Pam (Ray) Peters & the late Jeff (Beth) Berry. Dear grandmother of Ray III, Kelsey & Sydney Peters and Kimberly & Joshua Berry.

A memorial service is planned for October 9, 2021 @ 10am @ the First Presbyterian Church in Glen Ellyn.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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