In fTinsgliving
for tRie tfe of

Joseph Berry
1925-1991


VIEWING... 8:30 9:30 AM
JOHN THOMAS MEMORIAL CHAPEL
SERVICE ... 10:00 AM
ST. ANNE'S CHAPEL
MONDAY, JULY 15,1991
.INTERMENT AT WESTERN CEMETERY
St Thomas. VI







Josep f Berr

August 27, 1925 Juft 8, 1991
We have gathered here this day to celebrate in thanksgiving for the life of
Joseph Berry and to bid our final farewell to a very special husband, father,
brother and friend.
Joseph was born on August 27, 1925 on the Island of St. Kitts, to Mary
Elizabeth and Claude Emmanuel Berry. His early years were spent in St Kitts,
however his love for the sea soon took him to surrounding islands and St.
Barths, birthplace of his father. His youth was spent in St. Barths with his aunts
and cousins. Very soon thereafter, he took to the seas on his sailing vessel,
carrying cargo between islands. As fate would have it, one day out at sea he
and his crewmen encountered a terrible storm which destroyed his boat and
threatened his very life. Someone was looking out for him, for he was rescued
by a passing ship which was on its way to St. Thomas. Once on St. Thomas, he
very quickly made many friends. Joseph, at this time, became acquainted with
the Quetel family and shortly thereafter married Anne Florina Quetel. His
early years on St. Thomas were spent working at several jobs, one of which was
for the government at the old water pump house in Lindberg Bay.
Joseph's love for the sea was soon to be rekindled and he reestablished
himself and made a name for himself in the fishing community of Frenchtown
from the 1960's to 1989, shortly before his illness. Joseph loved to dance and
sing, but his love for the accordion, piano, guitar, banjo and harmonica were
quite evident. He soon became the father of two sons and one daughter. He
left behind a legacy to his two sons a love for the sea, and to his daughter a
love of music and dance.
Joseph enjoyed sitting on top of the old cistern next to his house, to work on
his fish traps. Many times I would just gaze at him and watch the contentment
on his face. He was a true seaman and sailor. He was in the sea and the sea was
in him.
Joseph Berry had many trials in his life, but for the most part, he was content
and satisfied. He was a special man whose patience seemed to span the seas.
He was not pretentious and was never fond of material things. He prayed a lot
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and somehow always knew he was in His care.
Many times when the weather was not exactly befitting of an escapade at sea,
he would tell his wife reassuringly, "don't worry, the One above is with me."
He always returned home safely.
I remember every now and then, going with him to deliver fish to some of his
customers. It seemed to me at one point that surely everyone on St. Thomas
must know him. From every direction you hear someone call out, "Berry, you
got some fish for me?" These words, I know, I will never hear again, but they
will always linger in my memories and will always be treasured in my heart.
And finally, as we bid farewell to you, Dad, I
feel very privileged and honored to have been
given a father such as you. May our blessed
Saviour embrace you lovingly until we see you
again. M Rose
Marie Rose Rivera .,












Survivors

WIFE... Anne Florina Berry

SONS ... Claude Gabriel Berry, Michael Joseph Berry
DAUGHTER.... Marie Rose Rivera
DAUGHTER-IN-LAW ... Linda Berry
SON-IN-LAW... Jorge Luis Rivera, Sr.
SISTERS ... Marion Berry, Mary Barrate
BROTHER... Phillip Berry
SISTER-IN-LAW ... Marie Octavie Greaux
BROTHERS-IN-LAW ... Leon Quetel, Anthony Quetel
GRANDCHILDREN
Rose Lynn Rivera, Jorge Luis Rivera, Jr.
Marcos Gabriel Rivera, Matthew Joseph Berry
Many nieces and nephews,
family and close friends.


Paffi6earers

Claude Gabriel Berry, Michael Joseph Berry
David Greaux, Bobby Vante, Hector Quetel
Dean Greaux, Patrick Greaux, Mark La Place



gfonorary Pcff6ecarers

Jorge Luis Rivera,Sr., Livet La Place,
Pierre Ledee, Sebastian Greaux








Oraer of Service


Principal Celebrant... Father Bernard Campbell
Assisting Deacon ... Rev. Mr. Alberto Olive
Organist ... Jean Greaux, Jr.

ENTRANCE HYMN ................... Just a Closer Walk With Thee
PENITENTIAL RITES
OPENING PRAYER
FIRST READING ............................. Elizabeth Greaux
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
SECOND READING .................... ......... Rebecca Ledee
GOSPEL
HOMILY
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
OFFERTORY HYMN ............................I Surrender All
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
PEACEHYMN .............................. Prayerof St. Francis
COMMUNION RITE
COMMUNION HYMN ............. What a Friend We Have In Jesus
RECESSIONAL HYMN ........................ Heart of Jesus, Hear



3fymns at tfie Grcvesiae
Softly and Tenderly, The Old Rugged Cross
Blessed Assurance, Oh, How I Love Jesus







3








. reweff
My Beloved Father,
The pain I feel cannot be measured and cannot be translated into words.
You have suffered, and as strange as it may seem, those sufferings
somehow brought us closer. I derived from you strength. You may
wonder how. You were in great pain but never lost sight of your God.
Your determination and will to live, even when it appeared all hope was
lost was a great inspiration and comfort for me.
Daddy, you always told me that everything that happened in this life was
with purpose. God does not give us more than we can handle. Your
favorite words were "God is love," and Daddy, you said it to the end.
Above all, you were a patient man, and always told me, "all in good time."
In these last months you had the time to reflect on many things. You made
your peace with God. Daddy, I know in my heart that you welcomed
death, for you knew that when you passed from this life you would walk
into the arms of your awaiting Saviour.
Sleep, dearest daddy, for there will be no more suffering. My heart cries
out in pain and I feel a great loss and emptiness, but I know that with time
it will pass. I will try to follow your example in this life to be patient and
kind, and never lose sight of my Maker. I will join with you one day in the
Kingdom of our Father and eternal life. Sleep peacefully, my beloved
Father, until we meet again.
Rosie







I know there is a lot of sadness surrounding us, but now you understand
that perhaps the blind are truely the ones that see. I will miss you very
much and I won't forget you. But I am sure you are a lot happier now. I
will see you on the other side. Until then, I bid you farewell.




Michael