Obituary of Arlene B. Berry

Arlene Beatrice (Balcom) Berry, 89, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. She was born in Waterbury, CT, the daughter of Leighton G. and Mary C. (Shields) Balcom. As a young child, Arlene's family moved to Binghamton, where she grew up in the Front Street neighborhood of the City's First Ward. She was predeceased by her loving husband, John E. "Jack" Berry; her parents; a dear sister, Alice Kiley; and two daughters-in-law, Patricia Berry and Michelle Berry. She is survived by her brother, Lee Balcom; her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Whiting; her four children, Kathleen Kennedy, John Berry, Margaret (William) Becker, and Robert Berry; ten grandchildren, Michael Berry, Bridget Berkley, Meghan Kennedy, Daniel Berry, Casey Berry, Colleen Turner, Franklin Turner, Kathryn Stevens, Brendan Berry, and Colin Berry; twelve great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Arlene was a graduate of Binghamton Central High School. In addition to keeping a home and raising a family, she worked at several jobs including Ansco, Crone's Pharmacy, and Binghamton City School District. She remained very active for many years. Her involvement included membership in the Binghamton Study Club, The Light of the World Ladies, and many volunteer activities at Blessed Sacrament Church, where she was a parishioner for nearly sixty years. During her life, Arlene was able to enjoy travels to many locations including Ireland, England, France, Italy, the Caribbean, and many places within the United States. Arlene loved to be where the fun was and she simply adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staff of Hilltop Campus especially the staff of James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Highland Avenue, Binghamton Monday at 9:30 a.m. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Arlene may be made to any charitable organization.