August 21, 1930 – October 17, 2025
Shirley Marlene Berry was born August 21, 1930 at Emmetsburg, Iowa. The daughter of Mathew and Elva Donahue of Laurens, Iowa.
She was raised on a farm near Laurens, Iowa and attended a rural elementary school and graduated from Laurens Consolidated School in 1949. She attended Iowa State Teachers College and graduated with a two year degree in elementary education in 1951. In the fall of 1952 she came to Mason City and enrolled in Hamilton Business School.
On September 25, 1954 Shirley was united in marriage to Robert F. “Gunner” Berry of Mason City at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Laurens, Iowa.
Shirley was employed as a teacher at Graettinger, Iowa school system. After attending Hamilton Business College she was employed at the Iowa Job Service, North Iowa Library Extension, and spent 21 years at the Cerro Gordo County Treasurer’s office.
She enjoyed playing cards and golf. She was a member of Epiphany Parish Catholic Church.
Shirley and Robert enjoyed spending many winters together in Port Aransas, Texas. They enjoyed trips to Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Hawaii.
Survivors include two daughters, Anne Berry, Mason City, Sandra Emroo, Placerville, CA; and two sons, Matt Berry (Jean Casey), Clear Lake, and Kevin Berry, Britt, IA. Eight grandchildren, Katie Berry, Robert Berry, Shannon Heinold, Cody Heinold, Robert Tyreece Bailey, Robert Terrell Bailey, Taylor Callahan, and Angelle Zaminah Emroo; and eight great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, parents, brother, Gene, grandson, Shane Callahan, and a great granddaughter Tyra Bailey.
Visitation will be held Monday evening, October 20, 2025, from 4:30 pm until 6:00 pm at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd ST NE, Mason City, where a Scriptural Wake service will begin at 6 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., Mason City with Rev. David O’Connor as Celebrant.
Memorials may be given to Epiphany Parish Catholic Church, or Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank.
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