Patricia "Pat" Cortez Berry, wife of the late Norman J. Berry Jr. of Sterling CO, died on Thursday, August 9, 2018 from complications related to hip surgery at a hospital in Sebastian Florida, near the assisted living facility where she'd be residing for the past year. Pat passed away quickly and peacefully with loved ones at her side.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 6 ^th at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Brian Kroeger officiating. The service will conclude at the church. Pat's ashes will be inurned with her husband's and buried in the Berry family plot in Barrington NH.

Pat was born September 9, 1931 in Dover NH to Edmund and Evelyn (Wills) Cortez.  She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire, where she also met Norm. They married in Durham NH on March 28, 1953. Shortly after their marriage, Norm served in the Korean War. Upon his return, they moved to OR where Norm completed his master's degree. Pat and Norm then moved to Sterling and started their family by adopting two infants, Ruth and Craig, who they raised and remained devoted to throughout their lives.

Pat enjoyed baking and worked at the White Kitchen Bakery before serving as the Sterling Municipal Court Clerk for over 20 years. She was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church, leading adult Sunday school classes, directing the handbell choir, and other volunteer activities. She had a passion for learning and self-discovery and took classes at NJC and attended The Ridhwan School. She was a hospice volunteer, where she was recognized for her compassion and kindness. Her hobbies included playing the accordion and piano, water aerobics, and reading. She loved getting together with close friends and was a member of the Red Hat Society, Forklifters, and PEO. Pat's greatest joy was spending time with her husband canoeing and traveling cross-country by car and motorcycle. Her peaceful spirit was a blessing to all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Ruth McHenry of Tampa FL; son, Craig Berry and his wife, Jodi Rita, of Vero Beach FL; six grandchildren, and Norm's brother, David Berry and wife, Sylvia, of Barrington NH.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Christ United Methodist Church, 104 S. 4 ^th St., Sterling CO 80751.