Obituary of Delores M. Berry
Delores “Laurie” M. Berry, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Park Pointe Healthcare & Rehab Center in Morris.
Laurie was born on February 2, 1941, to the late Thomas Veal and Christine (Koren) Kurpaitis. She married Henry Berry on April 29, 1961.
She was a lifelong Rockdale resident committed to the community. Laurie and Henry devoted much of their life to serving the village of Rockdale, Henry as a two-term mayor, and Laurie involved in many community events. They also ran Henry’s Hotdogs in Rockdale for many years together.
In addition to her work for her community, Laurie also worked for over 40 years for St. Joseph Hospital in the anesthesiology office, while also volunteering for over 30 years at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet.
Laurie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was blessed with a long and fulfilling life that exemplified strength, courage, commitment, and love, each of which was unmatched and serves as an example for all who knew her to follow. As a devoted mother and grandmother, Laurie was one of the biggest supporters of her family, never missing a graduation, award ceremony, band concert, or sporting event.
Laurie is survived by her grandchildren, Ashlyn O’Brien, Molly (Tyler) Bordner, and Colin O’Brien; her son-in-law, Thomas O’Brien; great-grandchildren, Josephine and Brooks Bordner; and many other loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Berry; her beloved daughter, Jodi O’Brien; her parents, Thomas Veal and Christine Kurpaitis; and step-father, Adam Kurpaitis.
All friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Laurie’s life on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington) Rd., Joliet, with a memorial visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. and concluding with a Memorial Service at 5:00 p.m. As it was her wish, Cremation rites have been accorded. Donations in Laurie’s name may be made to Lightways Hospice in Joliet. For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
