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Mrs. Eveline M. (Celozzi) Berry, 90, of Milford MA died Wednesday (March 23, 2022) at Countryside Healthcare of Milford after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph P. Berry, who died in 1991. And predeceased by her sister, the late Evemarie (Celozzi) Gillfillan of Baskings Ridge, NJ.
Born in 1932, Evy was the daughter of first generation Italian Americans. Evy grew up in the Plains, an area of Milford where many Italian Americans resided. She lived with her grandparents, parents and sister Evemarie, in a home built by her grandfather. Her family was very close, often gathering for Sunday dinners with extended family, where Aunts, Uncles and cousins would enjoy wonderful Italian meals.
As a child, Evy and her sister played with neighborhood friends. As they became young adults, they all became life-long friends. Once school age, Evy and her friends attended the Plains Elementary School, a small neighborhood elementary school right around the corner from her home. Continuing her public school education, Evy graduated from Milford High School in 1949. Evy attended Fisher College where she received her degree in medical assisting.
After graduating college, Evy worked at Cushing Hospital in Framingham for several years. Evy became close with several co-workers at the hospital. Evy left her job after the birth of her first child. She remained at home raising her children until they became school age. Then she returned to work part-time. When a full time job became available at the Milford Town Hall, she accepted a position in the Town Clerk's Office. Evy worked for the Town of Milford for the rest of her career, her last job was in the Retirement Office where she maintained records and prepared pension checks. She enjoyed working with the women at the Town Hall and serving the public. Evy knew how to endear friendships and over the years she stayed in touch with many of the women she met while working, occasionally meeting for dinner to celebrate significant events in each other’s lives.
Evy met her future husband, Paul Berry, during high school. After high school, Paul had joined the Navy where he served four years during the Korean War. During this time, the two remained in contract exchanging letters and pictures. When Paul returned to Milford, the two were married shortly thereafter and remained married for 34 years.
Together, Evy and Paul cheered their children, Barbara and Joseph, at pop warner football, little league, and softball games. At home the family often enjoyed spirited games of fighting solitaire, board games, and puzzles. Family trips to Washington DC, New York, Cape Cod, and New Hampshire were some of the many memorable vacations the family enjoyed. Besides time spent with her family, Evy enjoyed tennis and golf with her girlfriends, participating in the bocce league at the Italian-American Veterans Post in Milford, quiet time doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Eveline is survived by her daughter: Barbara A., wife of Richard Auger of Milford MA; her son: Joseph P. Berry Jr. and his wife Jane of Milford MA; her 2 grandchildren: Dana M. Auger of Northampton MA and Pauline R. Auger and her fiancé Benjamin Bricker of Greenfield MA; also several nieces, nephews and close cousins.
Her funeral will be held Monday March 28th) from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 19 Winter Street, Milford MA. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Milford MA. A visiting hour will be held Monday (March 28th) from 9:30am to 10:30am at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, prior to her Funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham MA 02452.
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