Gray-Mary E. Lockard Berry’s strong and beautiful spirit was released from her body on the morning of December 10, 2016.

Mary was born on December 1, 1934 to Eben and Florence (Ritchie) Lockard in Brunswick, Maine.  She moved with her family to Gray in 1951 where she lived the rest of her life,  graduating from Pennell Institute, marrying Robert Berry in 1953 and raising their eight children.

Mary lived a life of generosity, integrity, love of family, friends and faithfulness.   In addition to a house full of her own children, Mary gladly opened her home to friends of her children’s who did not have a place to stay.  She babysat for many children over the years and reveled in the company of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She especially loved the holidays, welcoming and enjoying the company of any and all who came to celebrate; the more, the merrier! 

Mary enjoyed singing.  She took voice lessons in high school and was a soloist in the church choir.  She often sang at weddings, "Oh Promise Me", and for a few years was a member of the "Sweet Adelines" singing group.

Mary was steadfast in her faith.  She attended church her whole life and immersed herself in its community.  Her spiritualty and devotion to the church was respected by all. She was involved in many aspects of the church, including serving as secretary and treasurer for decades at the Church of the Nazarene in Windham.  Mary embodied the true characteristics of what it is to be Christ-like; she was kind, compassionate, inclusive, non-judgemental and accepting of all.  She rushed to help those in need, knowing when someone was sick or in financial trouble.

Mary was frugal before it was fashionable.  She managed the family’s finances, making the most of a single income in raising a large family.  She would pay off loans early and present the "Paid In Full" document on the Christmas tree for her husband Christmas morning.   She was intelligent and had an amazing memory, remembering everyone’s birthdays, including the numerous grand-children and great-grandchildren’s.  She shopped year-round for presents for everyone for Christmas and birthdays, never wanting anyone to be without a present to open.  She was always interested in, and proud of, her family members’ lives and accomplishments.

She enjoyed the fruits of her and her husband’s life's labors by spending peaceful times “up at the camp” and "on the woodlot" and visiting Casco Bay’s many islands on their boat.  Sharing these occasions with friends and family completed their joy.

Mary is survived by her children, R. Bruce of New Gloucester, Michael R. of
Sabattus, Glenice Ritchie of Gray, Jane Sherrer of Newport, N.C., Shirley Dempsey of Gorham, Dennis A. of Gray, and Carolyn Martin of Wells and their spouses.  She was proud of her 22 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.   She is predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Robert E., a son, Scott D., her siblings Josephine Bisco, Robert Lockard, Eugene Lockard, Robert Kohaly, and Phyllis McCartney.

Special thanks and appreciation go to the nurses and CNAs at Springbrook Center, Compassus Hospice as well as to caregivers Linda Hemingway and Sue Berry.  We are awed by their love and selflessness.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2p.m. prior to the Celebration Service. The celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, December 17 at the Bible Believing Baptist Church on Center Road in Gray.  Reception following the service.  Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter  www.alz.org/maine/. 

Pastor Darwin Vail will Offiate

 Service Information