The Loss of a very special nurse

If any of you had the privilege to know Victoria Berry or had the good luck to hear her speak on nursing issues, it is with great sadness that I inform you of her death.

Victoria Lynn Berry
April 24, 1950 - April 7, 2009

The light in the world is a little less bright as Victoria Berry, age 58, was called home to heaven after her courageous battle with inflammatory breast cancer. She was optimistic throughout her treatment and true to her nature was more concerned about the problems of others around her than her own discomfort. She died at home surrounded by her family, friends and pets.

Victoria had a way of lightening everyone’s burdens. She was described often as an “angel on earth.” More so than her stunning physical beauty, she was known for her wonderful, vibrant spirit and grace. People were naturally drawn to her and she made them feel comfortable and safe when they were around her. Victoria was also an artist and she found a way to beautify everything around her. She was an avid doll collector and loved looking for antiques, but what gave her the most joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Victoria was born in Bridgeport, Texas. She is survived by the love of her life, Roger Berry of Manheim, Texas; daughter, Tammy Jo McCleney and son-in-law, Brett McCleney of Manheim, Texas; her grandson, Jacob McCleney and her granddaughter, Jett McCleney of Manheim, Texas; her adopted Father, Paul Harrison of Ben Wheeler, Texas; her sister, Berma Thomas and niece, LeVita Barrett of Ryan Oklahoma; and her Father-in-law, Richard A. Berry, Sr. and Mother-in-law, Alma Berry of Sycamore, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her son, Shawn Skelton; mother, Lorene Shawn; adopted mother, Elvie Deitsch; Father, Weldon Shawn; and brother, Larry Shawn.

Victoria graduated from the University of Texas in 1980 with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing; she obtained her Masters Degree in Nursing in 1982. She was a Registered Nurse, a Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Certified Wound Care Nurse. The highlights of her nursing career included Director of Marketing at Healthcare Rehabilitation Center, the Director of Nursing at Shoal Creek Hospital, an Investigator at The Texas Medical Board and a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. Victoria was known to be a tireless supporter of nurses and nursing issues.

Funeral Services will be at 11 am Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, 588 N. Main, Giddings, Texas.

Victoria dearly loved God’s creatures and she spent many hours caring for her dogs, cats, birds, horses and donkeys, but she did not stop there. She was a tireless supporter of animals and donated much time and money to help various organizations. In keeping with her goals in life, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the National Miniature Donkey Association Incentive Fund at NMDA Central Office, 6450 Dewey Road, Rome, New York 13440.