AUBURN — Barbara Ann Berry, 67, of Carthage, formerly of Portland, passed away at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn, with her family by her side, after a short battle with cancer.

Barbara was born in Portland on Nov. 30, 1949, the daughter of Barbara and Gilbert Small. She moved to Carthage in 1970 where she married Roger Berry and raised three beautiful children.

Barbara worked as a CNA and cook at local nursing homes and was always a caregiver. She was an active member in her community by organizing local benefit dinners and auctions for anyone in need. Barbara was always willing to lend a helping hand to help and support the Carthage Historical Society, Cemetery Association, ATV and Snowmobile Club. She was an active member of the Carthage Union Church.

The family remembers Barbara as a planner. There was always a birthday party, an event, or a Disney vacation to plan at least a year in advance. At all of these events the family knew there would be the infamous ‘mac and cheese’ to look forward to. Barbara enjoyed music of many genres and introducing them to all of her grandchildren in the car on their many excursions. Her kids remember Barbara planning the many spaghetti dinners where all were invited and sliding parties on Storer Hill. Barbara’s love for baking intensified with the introduction of Facebook where she was able to explore all the new recipes to introduce at her annual family Christmas Party. She was also a very understanding and patient wife that was acceptant of her husband’s hunting abilities and she was able to cut and package for the freezer in a moment’s notice. Barbara epitomized selflessness and always put her family and community needs before her own.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 46 years, Roger Berry Sr. of Carthage; her three children, Michele Berry of New Portland, Lisa Bourgeois of Dixfield, and Roger “Opy” Berry Jr. and his wife, Kelly of Dixfield; six grandchildren, Isaac and Micheala Gould, Paige and Lindsay Nowlin, Dalton and Dallas Berry. She also leaves behind four siblings and their significant others, Claudia and Vaughn Ashley, Gilbert “Junior” Small and his fiancée, Jolene Beardsley, Victoria and Michael Shaw and Peter Small. She also leaves behind her fur babies, Daisy, Harold, Harley, Whisper and Bella. Barbara had many special brother and sisters-in-law from the Berry family, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, childhood friends and townspeople who will miss her dearly.

The family would like to thank all of Barbara’s caregivers the past several months including Dr. Cole, Dr. Ketchum and the staff at Mercy Hospital, Dr. Kreckel and the staff at Rumford Hospital and Swift River Healthcare, and especially the staff and volunteers at the Androscoggin Hospice House for the exceptional care and comfort they extended to Barbra and her family during the last days of her beautiful life.

Barbara A. Berry