Dorothy Edith Pence Berry OBITUARY
Dorothy Edith Pence-Berry passed through Heaven's gate peacefully September 16 at the age just shy of 101 years young. Dorothy was born in Crookwell, NSW, Australia on October 17, 1923, to Edward Hugo Milbourne-Jackson and Edith May Dalloway. Dorothy was the beloved wife of Walter Berry and her first husband Everett C Pence who both predeceased her, as did her beloved Granddaughter, Jennifer Tessa Muhic. Everett and Walter were both WWII Navy Veterans, Dorothy was a very much-loved Mum by her six adult children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dorothy was a community leader and was active in the PTA as president for Bachrodt Elementary and Peter Burnett Jr. High School. She served as a Den Mother in the boy scouts and welcomed all the neighborhood children into her home. The Pence house was always busting at the seams and seemed at time as Grand Central Station of the neighborhood. Dorothy served on the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. When her children were young, Dorothy would bring them to church every Sunday and sit in the second row facing the pulpit. Dorothy would always wear her big hats and her white gloves as she loved fashion and made sure her children were in their best clothes. She was a Manager of Fashion Two-Twenty from 1973-1980, but continues with the company until 2023. Dorothy became a big fan of the San Francisco Giants when introduced to a game at Candlestick Stadium by a neighborhood mom, Bernadette Sullivan. She didn't understand the game then but loved the enthusiasm. A baseball was hit up near her in the stands and Dorothy thought she had to throw it back to the team. Mum was such an ardent fan that she would bring a transistor radio with ear plug to find out the score wherever she was whether it was at home or even at church. Later, she attended every game of her sons, Billy and Richard. Dorothy thoroughly loved cheering her sons on and of course the loudest voice in the stands belonged to her. In early 1994 Dorothy started the Bay Area WW II War Brides Chapter of Northern California. She shared the task of leader with dear friend and English War Bride, Jean Borst. They started with 10 internationally born War Brides and ended up with well over 100. They would meet monthly, and they grew into the largest WWII War Brides Chapter in America. You could always find Dorothy in any room by her loud laugh and genuine warmth. People always seemed attracted to her. Dorothy will be sorely missed by her six children; Beverly Pence- Sollars (Bill), Robert Pence, Shirley Pence- Corallo (Dennis Kolte), William Pence (Penny Rix), Richard Pence (Rosalie Rose) Pamela Pence-Manning (Alan), and also Susan Berry Gunn (Carl) and Cheryle Berry Winn. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Darrell Rogers (Kathleen), Sheryl Rogers Spencer (Joe), Michelle Rogers Olin (Chris),Lisa Sollars Muccia (Mike), Billy Sollars (Angie), Mackenzie Rix Canoff Tiernay (Mike), Janeane Corallo (Jane), Chase Corallo, great-grandchildren, Grant Olin, Drew Olin, Doug Sollars, Nathan Muccia (Kaylee), Trevor Corallo, Felix Tiernay, Max Tiernay, Melia Corallo and great-great grandchild Waylon Muccia. In addition, Dorothy leaves behind her beloved Australian family, Brother Bob Manning (Mary) and sister Joyce, and many nephews, nieces and cousins who lovingly called her Aunty Dot. Soar high dear Mum and know you will always be remembered for all your immeasurable love, support and sacrifices for your family. GOD Bless YOU. You will continue to live in all of our hearts. Funeral Service will be at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Monday, September 30th. at 11am. Private Interment at Los Gatos Memorial Park. Donations may be made to WWII War Brides Association, 6014 Lenay Way, Riverbank CA 95367 or to Wounded Warriors Project (online donations accepted) P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 81 North Second Street, San Jose, CA 95113.
