Mar 30, 2023

Gloria Gallagher Berry, a lifelong resident of Sewickley, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, with family and friends at her side.

Gloria, and her husband, George J. Berry MD, who recently passed away, were married for 66 years and were fixtures in the greater Sewickley community.

A devout Roman Catholic blessed with boundless energy, Mrs. Berry is survived by two sons, George J. Berry III (Kathy Hale) of Sewickley Hills and William G. Berry (Pamela C.) of Peters Township, along with their sons, Mrs. Berry’s grandsons, William G. Jr. (Racheal) of South Fayette, Sean P. (Stephanie) of Huntersville, N.C. and Jeffrey R. of Bridgeville. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Liam and Quinn of South Fayette.

Mrs. Berry was born to Beatrice C. and William F. Gallagher of Sewickley, on August 24, 1930. She graduated from Mount Mercy Academy and earned her B.A. from Mount Mercy College, now Carlow University. She subsequently earned her M.A. from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and was entered in their doctorate program. While in Chicago, she not only met George who was attending medical school but enjoyed modeling for Marshall Fields as well as Ford Motor Company and Anheuser-Busch.

George and Gloria were married in 1957, in Saint James Church, Sewickley, where they remained parishioners for over 60 years. Mrs. Berry’s passion for music was reflected in her decades in Saint James Choir, singing at services, as well as neighboring churches, nursing homes and wherever the choir could spread the joy of music. Gloria and George were also Edgeworth Club members for over 57 years.

A proud promoter of all things Sewickley, Mrs. Berry was deeply involved in her church and community while leading countless projects and initiatives of which Sewickley Valley residents still benefit today. She was the Executive Director of the Committee to Save the Sewickley Bridge which was scheduled for demolition. Mrs. Berry along with committee members persuaded the state and solicited the funding to rebuild the bridge providing a vital link and easy access to Heritage Valley Hospital, Pittsburgh International Airport, schools, restaurants and retailers for residents on both sides of the river. Mrs. Berry was also an incorporator, board member and president of the Sewickley Valley Historical Society, which she proudly served and supported for decades. She was The Sewickley Herald’s First Women of the Year, for her role on the Sewickley Bicentennial Committee in 1976, which provided a steady stream of community activities honoring our nation’s independence. She served on Sewickley Valley Hospital’s Women’s Auxiliary as well as Saint James Parish’s Guild of Christian Mothers. Mrs. Berry also received Carlow University’s Women of Distinction Award for her work on behalf of Carlow Alumnae.

Perhaps Mrs. Berry’s greatest gift was her persuasive work encouraging others to pursue a deeper relationship with God or return to the church.

Arrangements are under the direction R. D. Copeland Funeral Home, 702 Beaver Street, Sewickley. Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023. www.copelandfuneralhomes.com).

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Saint James Church, Sewickley, on Saturday, April 1st, with Father Brian Noel officiating. She will be interred in Saint James Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Saint James Parish, now Divine Redeemer Church, or The Sewickley Valley Historical Society.