Catherine Merle Berry's Obituary
Catherine Merle Berry, 67, of Broken Arrow, OK passed away September 20, 2022. She was born November 11, 1954, in Nowata, OK to Grace Ann Banister (Berry) and Wesley (Gene) Berry who both preceded her in death. Catherine attended grade school in Nowata, OK, and moved with her family to Pryor, OK as she entered 6th grade. She graduated from Pryor High School in 1973.
Catherine is survived by her brother Brent Berry of Monument, CO; daughter Valerie Powell of Pryor, OK and son Christopher Powell of Claremore OK; granddaughter Samantha (Sam) Hicks and Tobias (Toby) Hicks of Pryor, OK.
Catherine had many interests and talents and was a lifelong learner, having taken college classes and self-study coursework on many topics including computer science, business accounting, photography, and real estate abstracting and title insurance. More than once, Catherine reinvented herself to excel at the vocations she chose. Many who knew her testify of her fertile mind, quick wit, zeal for life, and eagerness to accommodate any need of a friend or acquaintance. Catherine especially loved music both playing, and listening. The family was known to tease her about her love for Barry Manilow’s music. She read and wrote poetry. Her culinary skills were extraordinary, especially when baking. Catherine was most at home when outdoors, often barefoot on a warm beach. She especially enjoyed traveling to Cozumel, where according to her wishes, her ashes will be taken away by an incoming tide.
Catherine’s only enemies were her immune system and time. Even so, with odds often stacked against her, she lived her life on her own terms and enjoyed it to the fullest. Her joy for life was infectious and very apparent to all who knew her. She loved family, especially her children and grandchildren who she loved with everything she had.
We invite you to join us in her celebration of life beginning at 1 pm on Saturday, October 29th at the Floral Haven Family Event Center. This will be casual and consistent with Catherine’s instructions we ask that you wear bright joyous colors. Come mingle, visit, and share a Catherine story.
If able and willing, bring a potluck dish for a meal that we will enjoy together.
Catherine asked for “a bunch of bright beautifully colored flowers”. If you want to contribute, you may send flowers to Floral Haven in Broken Arrow for the celebration ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, her family suggests that you consider donating to The PBCers Organization; a non-profit resource for those with Primary Biliary Cholangitis.
https://pbcers.org/
What’s your fondest memory of Catherine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Catherine?
Share a story where Catherine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Catherine you’ll never forget.
How did Catherine make you smile?