Maria Theresa Berry, 43, passed away suddenly on July 7, 2021 in St. Louis, MO. She was born on October 14, 1977 in Kirksville, MO. She is the daughter of Rev. Mr. Kenneth and Marianne (Santapaul) Berry. She lived her entire life in Edina, Missouri.
Maria attended St. Joseph School in Edina, and graduated from Knox County High School, class of 1996. She was involved in many music and choir projects that culminated in a trip to Carnegie Hall in New York City. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Central Missouri State University. The highlight of her college music career being a concert performance and tour of Italy. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Sigma Alpha Iota Sorority.
Her employment included working for Missouri Division of Family Services as a children’s case worker, Director of Knox County Head Start, and Physical Therapy Director at Lewis County Nursing Home. Her career path and many jobs helped Maria fulfill her love for helping people.
Maria had a beautiful voice and a passion for singing. She could be heard sharing her talent in the church choir, public functions around Knox County, and numerous Karaoke nights around town. She was a loving, giving person, who was always helping others. She was devoted to her friends, family, and dogs and will be greatly missed by all of them.
Maria loved crocheting Afghans, making knotted bracelets, and Diamond Paintings. Her love of these things led to the creation of her very own business: Knot Today, Macrame and Oddities, which allowed her to sell and share her creations. Being random and adventurous are two things Maria is known for by her friends and family. This led to numerous road trips that allowed her to see our beautiful country. And possibly a trip or two down a dirt road.
Maria was preceded in death by her grandparents Ruth and Ray Berry, and Rita and Lawrence Santapaul.
She leaves behind her parents, Rev. Mr. Kenneth and Marianne Berry of Edina, a brother Christopher Berry, sister in-law Danielle Berry, and nephew Elias Berry of St. Louis, MO. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and her two beloved dogs, Lola and Remi.
Funeral Mass will be 11:30AM Monday July 12th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edina, MO officiated by Father Simeon Etonu and assisted by Deacon David Ream.
A wake service will be held on Sunday July 11th at Hudson Rimer Funeral Home at 6:00PM with visitation following till 8:00PM. Burial will be in the St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Knox County Cancer Society. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.