Betty Berry Obituary
Mary Elizabeth Berry, better known as Betty, best known as BB, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at her home in Rowayton. Born in New Rochelle, NY, she was the daughter of the late William and Irene (Kelly) Mimnaugh and predeceased by her brothers Jack and Bill Mimnaugh. She is survived by her sister Jane Mimnaugh Zaccagnino.
Betty graduated from Saint Gabriel High School and then attended Conover Beauty and Charm School in New York City, (this explains it all). She worked at Shumacher, a design and textile firm, also in NYC, where she got her flair for decorating. At age 22, she married Joseph O'Brien, with whom she had two daughters, Donna and Kerry. In 1968, Betty moved to her beloved Rowayton with her second husband, Douglas Berry. There she became a successful real estate agent who enthusiastically showed her clients all that Rowayton had to offer. Betty was an avid reader, a gifted storyteller, and loved to entertain.
People of all ages were drawn to her, and she was adored not only for her countless good deeds, but also her amusing antics. Betty had both a wonderful sense of humor, and the ability to laugh at herself. She was stylish, contagiously optimistic, and generous to a fault. Her family and friends described her as "one of a kind," "a delight to be with" and "a legend.". Rowayton residents referred to her as The Ambassador of Rowayton, The Queen of Bayley Beach and The Town Grandmother. Betty personified the best aspects of Rowayton: its beauty, its warmth, and its passionate pursuit of a good time.
Betty is survived by her two devoted daughters, Donna Reeves and Kerry McFarlin; her two patient and adoring sons-in-law, Ted McFarlin and Robert Ripley; her four loving grandchildren to whom she was devoted, Stacer Reeves (Amanda), Kelly McFarlin, Deegan Reeves and Taber McFarlin; her step children Geoffrey Berry (Jen) and Gayle Berry-Zoechbauer (Franz); her step grandson Jason Reeves (Heather) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and fairy god children.
As a devoted member of the United Church of Rowayton, a service celebrating a life well lived will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 11:00 am, in the newly renovated church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Church's "Raising the Roof" restoration fund in Betty's name. Donations can be mailed to The United Church of Rowayton, 210 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT 06853, or made online at http://www.ucrowayton.org.
