Remembering Carol Berry

By:  MaryAnne Bobrow, CAE, CMP Fellow, CMM

Carol Berry, a longtime member of MPISSN, the Sacramento IMPS, and President of MPISSN from 2003-2004, passed away on August 11, 2022, in Newport, Oregon, surrounded by family and friends.

.While living in the Sacramento area, Carol was very active in MPISSN and the Sacramento IMPS and included association management in her skills.  Pictured at right, Carol was happiest when surrounded by her beloved family – here shown with her husband, Don, and her grandchildren circa 2014.

 

I first learned of Carol’s passing from Ken Merchant, who in turn learned this sad news from Marie Coleman.  Those mentioned in this remembrance are either members of Meetings Professional International, Sacramento Sierra Nevada Chapter or Independent Meeting Professionals Sacramento.  Both groups are involved in the meetings industry and focused on improving that industry and  elevate the work done by their members.  Some of those mentioned below belong or belonged to both groups.

With time short and many away from their emails, we were able to capture Carol’s essence with memories from those who knew her well . . .

Marie Coleman MPISSN
President 2000-2001

Carol fought a gallant battle with cancer for 7 years and did so with a smile.  I visited with she and Don in February for a few days.  We enjoyed our visit.  Carol took me on a couple of drives around their city.  Their lovely home overlooks the Yaquina River and sits on 8 acres.

We chatted on a regular basis until those last few days.  Hospice was there for her & Don and the family to help ease transition.

Carol's wish was no services.  They belonged to a Camping group and enjoyed a few trips this past summer before it was too much for her to travel.

Anyone wishing to send cards and notes to Carol’s family, please address to:

Don Berry & Family
7555 Yaquina Road
Newport, Oregon 97365

 

Susan Buntjer, CMP MPISSN
President, 2004-2005

I moved back to Sacramento in 1997 and I met Carol shortly after that when I joined the Sacramento MPI Chapter. Carol quickly became a friend and mentor as I greatly admired the successful business she had built for herself. When Carol was Chapter President in 2003-2004, and I was President Elect, we became even better friends. Carol was always willing to help other meeting planners, and that was especially true for me when I decided to start my own firm in early 2004. When I told her I was a bit nervous about getting more clients, she asked me if I would like to work part-time for her for a while and I gladly said yes. The time I spent working with her was great fun and helped boost my confidence that I could do it too.

When Carol and Don decided to move to Oregon, soon after their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012, she was diagnosed with cancer. It was a challenging time for her, but she was looking forward to living closer to three of her grandchildren and fully enjoy her retirement. She loved her beautiful home in Newport, Oregon and, when her health allowed, she and Don enjoyed lots of outings in their motorhome. Thank you for your friendship, Carol, you will be missed.

Heather Tanfani, CMP
 Events!