Obituary of Sylvia "Diane" Berry

Berry, Sylvia ‘Diane’ Ethelyn (nee Hirtle) ~ Diane passed away at The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph on Friday, March 8th, 2019 at the age of 86. She was the beloved wife of the late Reg (1990), married in 1953. Proud and loving mother of Stephen (Lynne) and Kevin (Mary). She was the much loved Nana of Michael (Amy K.), Bryan (Phoebe), Jennifer and Brendan, and a Great Nana to Matthew and Hannah. Diane was the dear sister of David Hirtle, and sister in law of Jack (Marge), Lillian (the late David), Robert (Marion) and pre-deceased by her brother in law Ron and wife Margie. She is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Diane had a steady faith in God all her life and she lived a Christ-like example every day. She loved to read her Bible and was a woman of prayer. Diane was a strong and independent woman who lived on her own for 25 years, after her husband passed away, in the family home at 65 Vancouver Drive which she called, "Brambly Cottage". After graduating high school, Diane was the bookkeeper at Foster’s Women’s Fashions in downtown Guelph, then worked as a medical secretary for Dr. McCrae and Drs. Azra and PA Shah. After that she worked at the Storehouse Christian Bookstore. People will recall her as a Sunday school teacher, Brown Owl with the 18th Brownie Pack, the 55+ Club leader, and the founder and librarian of The Loft Children’s Library; all with the Salvation Army. When she was not involved with her many church ministries, she loved to work in her garden, was an avid reader, had a knack for redecorating her house, and enjoyed a coffee and reading time under the crabapple tree in her backyard oasis. But above all, she cherished time with her family and friends. The family want to express their sincere appreciation for the many people who made Diane’s life so much better - the neighbours she had on Vancouver Drive, Dr. Vogel and her assistant Mirella, the staff at Arbour Trails and Riverside Glen. Stephen and Kevin would like to give a heart-felt ‘thank you’ for the compassionate support the following people gave Diane, especially in the last few years – Aunt Lillian, Diane Bastien, Joy Paul, Dr. Ellen Lee, and the amazing and caring staff of the Puslinch Neighbourhood at Riverside Glen who became a special part of our family. Diane’s gentle spirit and words of encouragement to others made her a special person. In the last few years, she loved to sing the chorus of a hymn – "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory." And Christ said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Family and friends may call at the GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph on Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service in the funeral home chapel on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow in the Trillium Room of the funeral home. Private Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Diane loved to read to children, and her wish would have been that in lieu of flowers, you would consider a memorial contribution to The Loft Children’s Library (c/o The Salvation Army). The family sincerely ‘thank you’ for your support and thoughtfulness. We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com Service Information Service Date Friday, March 15, 2019 Service Time 11:00 a.m. Service Location Gilchrist Chapel Visitation Thursday, March 14, 2019 Visitation Time 7 - 9 p.m. Visitation Location Gilchrist Chapel Burial Date Private Burial Location Woodlawn Memorial Park Requested Charity The Children's Loft Library c/o The Salvation Army