Jacquelyn (Jackie) (Tufts) Berry

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Berry, 87, of North Berwick, passed away peacefully at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough on May 15th, 2022. Jackie was born in Sanford, Maine on April 22, 1935 and grew up in an old farmhouse in the Tatnic region of Wells. Jackie attended school in a one-room schoolhouse, later attending Wells High School and graduating 4th in her class from North Berwick High School. While in high school, Jacquelyn attended Dirigo Girls State and participated in school musicals. Her rich singing voice drew the attention of her music teacher, who encouraged her to study opera. While she was unable to follow that path, her children and grandchildren fondly remember her yodeling as she did the laundry. Her voice was like a great bell ringing within the four walls of her old Victorian home.

Jackie met John Francis Berry after riding her bicycle to a movie theater in Somersworth, New Hampshire. It was a big adventure for a fourteen-year-old from North Berwick! The couple married in 1953 and went on to have five children, but John passed away before the fifth child was born. Though Jackie was grateful to have the support of her parents, Flora and Del Tufts, single motherhood was unexpectedly thrust upon her. Heartache struck Jackie once more when her third child, Michael, developed cancer and passed away at the age of thirteen. She went on to lose two adult children. Jackie was devastated by each loss but persevered, always smiling through life’s trials and tribulations. Jackie’s motto was, “Keep smiling,” and she lived that motto as she shared her smile with everyone from her neighbors to the postman to the nurses who cared for her in her final days.

She was known for her diamond smile, which she accentuated with the red lipstick she always carried in her purse. In fact, she would seal birthday cards with her signature red kiss mark! She loved a good joke and would reward the teller with her easy, boisterous laughter. Jackie was an active member of the First Congregational Church of North Berwick and was renowned for her chocolate chip cookies. Each year at the Christmas fair cookie walk, people would request “Jackie’s Cookies!” Jackie was a passionate woman who cared deeply about her family and everyone in her inner circle. She was also a dog lover and cherished her time with her dogs Maggie and Lady. She rarely put herself first and would do anything for her children. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who will be sorely missed by all.

After raising her family, Jackie went to work at Spencer Press, in Wells, for over 20 years, retiring in 2000.

Jackie is survived by her two children, Kathyrn “Kathy” Paradis (wife of the late William “Bill” Paradis) of North Berwick; Scott Berry of Berwick; three grandchildren: Wayne Paradis (and wife Shaye); Emily Gaddis (and husband, Joe); Shana Genre (and husband, Leon). Seven great-grandchildren: Eliza Paradis, Lucas Paradis, Kayla Colby, Cameron Gaddis, Lily Gaddis, Wilder Genre, and Alice Genre. Jackie, the baby of her family, was predeceased by her parents, Flora and Delbert Tufts and her five siblings: Millard Tufts, Marion Farrar, Myrtle Hayes, Barbara Leslie, and Jean Morrow. She was also predeceased by her three children: John Patrick Berry, Michael Berry, and Carol Jean Squier (wife of the late Stephen Squier); and her life partner, Richard Hayes.

A visitation will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 12-2:00, with a service immediately following. Pastor Jeffrey Pelkey will officiate. All are welcome to attend to remember this vivacious member of our community.

The family would like to thank Pinnacle of Sanford, ME, for all of the care and devotion the staff provided to Jackie. We would also like to thank the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, where Jackie spent her last day.

Memorial Donations may be made to: The First Congregational Church, PO Box 565, North Berwick, ME 03906 Another Chance Animal Rescue, PO Box 552, North Berwick, ME 03906

Funeral arrangements are being made by Johnson Funeral Home in North Berwick, Maine.  Condolences and stories may be shared at www.JohnsonFuneralHomeME.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacquelyn (Jackie) (Tufts) Berry, please visit our floral store.