Carol Anne (Woelfel) Berry

CAROL BERRY

JERSEYVILLE – Carol Anne Berry, 55, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, September 25, 2023 at her home, surrounded by the love of her family following a five year battle with cancer.

She was born on August 14, 1968 in Jerseyville, one of five children born to Paul and Fern (Cambron) Woelfel.

Carol grew up in Fieldon and graduated with the Class of 1986 from Jersey Community High School. She then went on to further her education at Hickey School of Business.

She married Christopher Berry on May 25, 1991 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fieldon. Together, they were the proud parents of three children and shared in many wonderful memories together as a family. While there were many happy and wonderful memories made, it was over the past five years, when life was all but a fairytale, that their true love and devotion to one another truly shined through.

Carol was good with numbers and was employed with Scheffel & Co., Central Electric, Wegman Electric as Office Manager and remained through their merger with GRP, where she worked in bookkeeping, making many lasting friendships along the way.

She had an affinity and love for baking. She was renowned for her ability to bake spice cookies, brownies, dirk cake and her nearly “world famous” angel food cake.

Carol was lovable, smart, kindhearted, caring, supportive and had a radiant and contagious smile. Her life was centered around three core values: Faith, Family and a love for anything Disney!

Throughout her life, and most especially following her diagnosis, Carol relied heavily on her faith in God. She successfully raised her children in both she and Chris’s churches. Despite not being raised within the Kane Baptist Church, she loved it and never failed to help at Vacation Bible School and bring along her nieces and nephews.

The love she had for her family simply cannot be described in words, but she showed that love to each and every one of them in the most genuine and profound way. Being a mom was, without a doubt, her greatest joy in this life. Whether it was Claire’s dance events or Cole and Connors sporting events, she was always there cheering them on and supporting them every step of the way.

She would do absolutely anything for any member of her family, no matter the time or place. The babies in her family, most especially, brought her true joy. She was known as “The Baby Whisperer” because of her ability to calm them and make each one feel as if they were the most special child in the room. There were few things in this life that she loved more than being with her close friends and family.

In the off chance that she had some free time, you were sure to find her enjoying a Disney movie. She LOVED her Minnie hat, which brought countless smiles to those who saw her in it. She also loved going to Disney World and experience the wonder and joy that it created - riding the rides, eating the food and meeting the characters. Just a few short weeks before her passing, she was able to share in one last magical trip with her family.

Surviving are her husband of 32 years, Chris Berry; a daughter and son in-law, Claire and Garrett Freand; two sons, Cole Berry and Connor Berry, all of Jerseyville; her parents, Paul and Fern Woelfel of Fieldon; a brother, Brian Woelfel and his companion, Melissa McAdams, of Fieldon; three sisters, Nancy and Tony Lacy of Jerseyville; Karen Woelfel and her companion, Michael Fair, of Jerseyville and Myra Woelfel of Fieldon; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, all of whom held a very special place in Carol’s heart.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Hubert and Gertrude Woelfel; maternal grandparents, Francis “Frank” and Dorothy Cambron; as well as her father in-law and mother in-law, Larry and Joyce Berry.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Monday, October 2, 2023 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. In honor of her love of Disney, the family invites you to wear your best Disney attire.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fieldon.

Burial will follow at Kane Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Kane Baptist Church or to the Jersey Community High School Football Team.

Carol’s life was a blessing, and full of many great times and wonderful memories. She would not want her life to be defined by the struggles she faced in the past five years. In those years, however, she taught us all so very much. She remained a source of strength and inspiration to many as she fought her battle. Never once complaining about the hand she had been dealt, she remained determined to fight until the very end with an unwavering spirit, resolve and desire to live life to the fullest. May we all continue to love and live our lives as Carol did, in the most magical way!

“Now I know she’ll never leave me, even as she fades from view. She will still inspire me, be a part of everything I do.” – Beauty and the Beast

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