Rosalind Joyce Berry's Obituary
Joyce Berry, aged 91, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2024, after bravely battling pneumonia. She was born on October 22, 1932, in Hanford, California, to Frank and Mary Alviso.
After the loss of her mother at a young age, Joyce and her siblings were lovingly raised by their grandmother, Rose Pena, with support from Joyce's three uncles. She completed her education at Hanford Union High School where she was the chief sign maker for all events, games, and rallies and student body secretary her senior year. Joyce later graduated from the College of Sequoias in Visalia, California, majoring in commercial art. During her time at COS, Joyce was actively involved as the sports editor for the yearbook, a pep girl and song leader, and held various leadership roles. She worked for the City of Hanford as a recreation director for Two City Parks and at Fox theater as a cashier and usherette. At a Valentine's dance at COS, Joyce met her beloved husband, Don Berry, whom she married in 1954. Don's career in track and cross country coaching led them from Sanger to Belmont, and eventually to Half Moon Bay, where they settled until 2010, when they relocated to San Jose, California to be closer to family.
Joyce enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career at SRI (formerly Stanford Research Institute), starting as a report typist and rising to roles of significant responsibility including supervisor of the Physical Sciences Division Report and Proposal Service. Her exemplary organizational skills, dedication and work ethic was highly valued by the report authors and were instrumental in producing high-quality reports and proposals that received regular accolades from SRI clients. As the Activities Coordinator at SRI, she created lists of entertainment activities that were enjoyed by many including sporting events, concerts, plays, museums and so on.
Even after retiring in 1997, Joyce remained an active member of the SRI Alumni Association steering Committee, contributing to its growth and success. Her contributions included managing membership records, designing the association's newsletter, wrote a membership data Manual and played a key role in organizing annual reunions, Spring Fling events and Hall of Fame Awards. In all she did, Joyce set a standard of excellence for those who followed her, and in 2020 Joyce was inducted into the Association’s Hall of Fame.
Joyce also enjoyed being on the reunion committee for Hanford Union High School, where she and Don made name tags, kept up the obituary notices, the database and made programs for the events.
Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and Don were proud parents and cherished their roles in supporting their children Richard and Janet, both of whom were heavily involved in school activities such as Future Farmers of America, the Half Moon Bay Los Caballeros Drill Team and Color Guard, and the San Mateo Country Fair. The family spent every weekend from May to September and two weeks in the summer camping in the Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks or in The Shasta/Lassen area. Don and Joyce enjoyed family traditions, including weekend drives visiting all the California missions, camping and attending sporting events together. Wherever Don and Joyce lived or worked, they made lasting, close friends with whom they shared community projects, social gatherings, and a special interest of theirs—
sports. In addition to attending 49er games since the 1970’s, Joyce kept Don busy with her love of baseball and the San Francisco Giants, including travels to Arizona for spring training.
Joyce's love for family extended to attending her grandchildren's events across California, forging lasting bonds with each of them. She enjoyed recent travels that allowed her to spend time with grandchildren and great grandchildren, in North Carolina, and a special gathering for her 90th birthday that brought all her California grand children and great grandchildren together.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Don in 2016 after 62 years of marriage. She is survived by her loving children Richard (Pam) Berry and Janet (Kendall) Mills, Grandchildren Ryan and Jillian (Rich), Kendra, Keenan, Katelyn, Kristin (Janet) and eleven great-grandchildren Sawyer, Canon (Ryan & Nicole), Jack, Ford, Luke (Jillian & Brendon), Makensie, Paige, Greyson, Sawyer (Kendra & Chris) Emmie, Jordy (Katelyn & Jon). She is lovingly remembered by her surviving sister Marilyn and brother Alan, nieces (Christine, Viki, Susan ), nephews (Mark & Kevin) and cousins (Greg (Evelyne) & Cheryl (Jay), along with several grand nieces and nephews.
Joyce will be remembered fondly for her kindness, dedication, and the lasting impact she made on her family, friends, and colleagues at SRI.
Joyce Berry leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and community spirit that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to have known her.
A private ceremony and celebration of life is planned and will be by invitation only. Any shared memories would be appreciated by the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your favorite charity on Joyce’s behal
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