Obituary: Jane Colette Berryman

As received from the Pearce Funeral Home:

Lake Linden: Jane Colette Berryman (née Dupuis), 93, passed away on August 4th, 2024, at Portage Pointe in Hancock, Michigan. She was born on January 4, 1931, to John “Jack” and Irene (Remillard) Dupuis in Lake Linden, Michigan. Despite being born during the Great Depression, Jane grew up contentedly alongside two brothers and sisters in a close-knit French Canadian community. She attended Saint Joseph Catholic School and later graduated from Lake Linden-Hubbell High School. Her faith was vital to her; she would remain a lifelong member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lake Linden.

On September 2, 1950, Jane married the love of her life, Harold Berryman, at Saint Joseph’s Church. They were a loving couple until he passed away from multiple sclerosis in 1973. She remained a widow; as she said, in her eyes, no one could hold a candle to Harold.

Jane devoted much of her life to her family as a loving mother and grandmother, creating a warm and welcoming home. She was her husband’s caregiver for many years while raising their seven young children. Jane was resourceful and worked tirelessly to provide what her family needed. She later worked for Michigan Tech at Wadsworth Hall, where she was known for her skills in the kitchen. After retirement, Jane spent the winter months every year with her daughter Joanne and son-in-law Tony in Texas. She made many fond memories and enjoyed attending DGGA meetings, luncheons, and shopping while enjoying the warmer weather. Come spring, she was always eager for the snow to melt so she could return to place flowers on her husband’s grave for his birthday.

Jane was a woman of many interests. A few of her hobbies included walks in the woods accompanied by grandchildren and her dog Woodstock, cross-country skiing, baking, sewing, having family history discussions, hosting family gatherings, and cheering on the Redwings with her son Steve. Nothing made her happier than rocking and singing with a baby in her arms. Jane was a talented seamstress and made everything from clothing to curtains. Much to the delight of her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, she enjoyed making dolls complete with outfits and accessories. She affectionately called her dolls “Woodpile Kids.” Jane and her brother Jack were a wealth of family history, and they would recount memories and stories spanning generations, solidifying the importance of family connections and ties to Lake Linden. Jane also had a talent for baking, and her cookie jar was always full to the brim. When guests would stop for an impromptu visit, she could quickly whip up something delicious to enjoy over a cup of coffee.

Jane’s compassionate and considerate nature made her beloved by all who knew her. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Harold, her sons David, Roy, and Harold “Steven” Berryman, her grandson Mark Berryman, granddaughter Katie Berryman, her great-granddaughters Faith Spiroff and Penelope Hupp, her sisters and brothers-in-law Diane (Theodore “Ted”) Fontaine and Annette (Edward “Ed”) Koepel, her brother John “Jack” and sister-in-law Mary “Joan” Dupuis.

She is survived by her children: Bruce (Leslie) Berryman of Tucson, AZ, Joanne (Anthony “Tony”) Pardini of Colleyville, TX, Brian (Donna) Berryman of Houghton, MI, Thomas “Tom” Berryman of Houghton, MI, and Jerome “Jerry” Berryman of Hancock, MI., and her brother Anthony “Tony” (Joanie) Dupuis of Lake Linden, MI.

Jane also leaves behind 15 grandchildren: Nicole (Philip) Hecht, Anthony (Mindy) Pardini, David Berryman, Christopher (Vanessa) Pardini, Tanya (Karl) Irish, Cole Berryman, Matthew (Colleen) Berryman, Ian Berryman, Stephanie Shirkey, Brittany (Garret Voldarski) Buschell, Jared (Allison) Berryman, Craig (Carina) Pardini, Natalie (Neil) Hupp, Allison (Tim) Richmond, and Alec Berryman, as well as 31 great-grandchildren: Colette Pelletrino, Austin Shirkey, Madison Buschell, Alyssa Shirkey, Trista Berryman, Addison Pardini, Alexander Hecht-Gergely, Sophie Berryman, Olivia Berryman, Anthony “Jack” Pardini, Hazel Berryman, Ruby Berryman, Jonah Hecht, Marky Berryman, Hannah Berryman, Joshua Berryman, Finn Berryman, Kira Irish, Lily Berryman, Michael Berryman, Avery Berryman, Sloan Berryman, Peyton Richmond, Jordan Berryman, Keaton Hupp, Aaliyah Shirkey, Cooper Berryman, Rila Hupp, Hadley Berryman, Ashlynn Jane Pardini, and Martina Pardini; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend and daughter-in-law Mary Ann Seel.

Jane’s life was a testament to her enduring love and the connections she created with those around her. Her legacy will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. Her family and friends will remember her as a source of strength, warmth, and love. Jane will be remembered. 

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the caring staff at Portage Pointe, particularly those who cared for her when she lived in Medora and Winona houses. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Linden, with Fr. Raju Jose to officiate. She will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Lake Linden.

In place of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Restoration Project to honor Jane’s lifelong commitment to her faith and community.

Pearce Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left pearcefuneralhome.com