NEWPORT and PITTSFIELD Beverly S. Berry, 75, died unexpectedly July 12, 2008, at a Sarasota, Fla., rehabilitation hospital, with her soul mate at her side. Beverly was born Nov. 10, 1932, in Skowhegan, the daughter of Glen and Alice (Matson) Sennett. She attended schools in Newport and graduated from Maine Central Institute, Class of 1951, where she was very active in many school functions. She went on to graduate from Husson College with an associate degree in secretarial science. Beverly married her high school sweetheart, Richard Berry, July 27, 1952. Dick and Bev worked side-by-side in the operation and ownership of Berry’s Pharmacies, Newport, Pittsfield, Waterville and Dexter. Bev also ran The Gift Box. Beverly was a member and past president of the Athenaeum Club, she taught Sunday school at the Universalist Church, she was an active Girl Scout Leader and a member of the Bridge Club, all in Pittsfield. After making their home on Sebasticook Lake, Newport, she would open her home during the house tours to raise money for Sebasticook Valley Hospital Auxiliary. She and Dick were active members of Sebasticook Lake Association and she was refreshment chairperson for the annual meetings. Bev and Dick hosted many Maine Central Institute alumni get-togethers and barbecues at their cottage. Bev and Dick became snowbirds, wintering in Harbor Cove, North Port, Fla., about 20 years ago. Bev again became very active in the park association, on the executive board of the civic association and took part in all park activities, including the Boat Club and Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed shuffleboard, playing cards and attending dances and potluck suppers. Beverly was a beloved wife, daughter, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Dick Berry of Newport; her mother, Alice Bickford of Pittsfield; her son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Maryann Berry of Plant City, Fla.; two grandsons, Rick Berry III of Portland and Christopher Berry of Tampa, Fla.; her best friend, her sister, Thelma Vining and her husband, Cliff, of Newport; an uncle, Donald Matson; several nieces and nephews. She will also be remembered by her husband’s family, Dick’s twin brother, Bob Berry; brother, Ronald Bessey; sister and her husband, Sandra and Grant Powers; many friends and neighbors. Bev was predeceased by her stepfather, Earl Bickford. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at Brown Funeral Home, 34 High St., Newport, where funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Arthur Johnson officiating. Burial will be after at Village Cemetery, Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations in Beverly Sennett Berry’s name to Maine Central Institute, 295 Main St., Pittsfield, ME 04967. To sign an online guest book and leave written tributes, please visit www.PhilipBrownFuneralHome.com.
BEVERLY S. BERRY
