Kathy M. Berry

Dear Kathy,

This is an open letter to all those who may read this as I want to honor your life. Everyone should know who you were; not what you did for a living or educational levels achieved. Those things do not define the person you were or the essence of what made you so special to me and why I love you.

You always wanted to accompany me in daily activities; some special; most were ordinary. You were my personal cheerleader in whatever endeavors I attempted in my life or career. We shared everything and always placed each other before our own needs; we were proud to be husband and wife.

Although you enjoyed running, lifting weights, and playing racquetball the greatest loves of your life were God, your church family, and me. Being third on your list wasn't so bad because the first two shaped the person you became.

The tandem of MS and ALS robbed you of your ability to speak, walk, and swallow, the inability to move hands, arms, or legs yet never touched your heart, mind, or faith. You generalized a synthetic voice by using your head or eye movements on a keyboard in order to minister to others in need. Many came to our home to inspire you, yet they left being humbled by your words and awed by your faith.

You compiled your dreams, visions, and thoughts to form the basis of a book you wanted to publish in order to inspire others to never give up and always have faith. You never got the opportunity to finish the book as the MS and ALS took your physical life not your spiritual one.

I promise to try my best to fulfill your dream.

Thank you for your love and unwavering devotion to God, your faith, and me. I'll miss you.

Love, Rich

A memorial service for Kathy will be held Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 6:00PM at Victory Christian Center, 3899 McCartney Rd., Lowellville, 44436.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the ALS Association Northern Ohio Chapter, 6155 Rockside Rd., Suite 403, Independence, OH 44131.

Arrangements are being handled by Cunningham-Becker, Poland.