Shirley Berry Obituary

Shirley S. Berry

Sep 9, 1933 - Aug 16, 2025

Peachtree City, GA

Shirley S. Berry, formerly of Norwalk, died Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the age of 91, in Peachtree City, Georgia. Shirley was the daughter of Burton and Nellie Chandler and lived her life in Norwalk before relocating to Georgia in 2020 to be near her daughters. She graduated from Norwalk High School in 1951 and attended The Ohio State University.

Shirley married Robert (Bob) Berry in 1952; they were married for 63 years until his passing in 2015. Together, they raised four children and managed the family business, Berry's Restaurant, in partnership with Bob's brother, Jim, and Jim's wife, Lois. Shirley was previously a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Norwalk and served on Norwalk Architectural Review Board. She was also affiliated with Firelands Historical Society and Huron County Master Gardeners.

Shirley was an excellent bridge player and enjoyed playing other card games with family and friends. Her pies, particularly black raspberry, were a favorite of her family. She and Bob were known to scour Northern Ohio for produce for Berry's Restaurant and black raspberries for her pies. She was a proud member of the PIE Club that met monthly at Berry's to share a member's pie. A talented seamstress and tailor, she often made dresses for special occasions for her daughters. Other hobbies dear to her were gardening, reading, and traveling. She and Bob traveled extensively, visiting destinations including Africa, China, and Russia. She considered her visit to Africa and going on safari to be one of the most thrilling. Shirley was known by friends for her dry wit, which brought laughter to those around her. She was truly always learning and always curious. Her favorite times in life, though, were when her children and grandchildren were around for a holiday, and she was cooking and chatting with everyone.

Shirley is survived by her four children, Deborah Caruana (Ralph) of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Douglas Berry (Lynn) of Norwalk, Rebecca Catter (Armando) of Fayetteville, Georiga, and Trisha Wahlen (Patrick) of Chagrin Falls; 12 grandchildren, Benjamin Caruana (Micah), Peter Caruana (Amanda), Sarah Caruana (Elan), Bryan Berry, Robert Wahlen (Gina), Joseph Wahlen, Abby Wahlen, Chandler Zadalis (Bryan), Madison Radivonik (Gleb), Stephen Berry (Laura), Jessica Alt (A.J.), and Leslie Chase (Brian); and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Harry (Patty) Chandler and sister-in-law, Kathy (Charles) Chandler.

Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Arthur (Jane) Chandler; her brother, Charles (Kathy) Chandler; and her twin sister, Marjorie (G.L.) Barnes; her brother-in-law, G. L. Barnes; and her sister-in-law, Jane Chandler.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the loving care provided by Alexis Williams of MedMiracle Home Care Agency. We also thank Southern Grace Hospice for their attentive care, as well as the staff at The Reserve at Peachtree City Assisted Living.