Obituary of Carol Berry (Harper)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carol Ann Berry (nee Harper) on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, with her children by her side. Carol has been reunited with her husband of 43 years, James Samuel Berry (1999).

Carol is loved and survived by her children Robert (Sherrie), Michael, Joanne (Gerry) and her best friend Henry. Grandchildren Crystal (Victor), Karli (Jesse), Kendra, David, Jonathon, Heather, Michael and Courtney (Matt). Great-grandchildren Matteo, Isabella, Anastasia, Nixon, Bear and MacKenzie. Sister Nancy Boles (Bert), brother-in-law Kelly Berry and his wife Sheila. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, along with special mention to Carol-Anne (Mike), Tommy-Joe and their families.

Carol was born on February 26th, 1939, in Dunnville, Ontario, to John and Muriel Harper (nee Furry). Carol was 17 when she married James on September 1st, 1956. She moved to the Berry Family Farm on Berry Road, where she and James started their family. In 1964, they moved to their forever home on Binbrook Road.

Carol was a school bus driver for over 42 years. A job she did with great pride and joy. She drove multi-generations of Binbrook students to and from school in Binbrook, Stoney Creek and Winona. She was the driver for many charters, including the Glanbrook Rangers, senior groups and school trips. Carol was very involved with her children’s hockey, baseball and cheerleading teams in which she was their biggest fan. She drove many miles for many years. Carol was a life member of the Binbrook Agricultural Society and sat on the board for the Binbrook Fair. She loved competing at the fair with homemade pickles, jams and baked goods. She also volunteered in the Elementary School exhibition area.

With James and her family, Carol got to experience the joy of cottage life in Parry Sound, where many family members and friends were always welcome to come and stay. There were many winters in Florida and summers in a trailer in Port Dover. Trips out West, East and the USA which included a lot of cross-border shopping. She also enjoyed a trip to the Caribbean and a cruise. Carol had a great love for Standardbred racehorses with Bonfire Becky being one of her first. She travelled to many tracks around Ontario to offer her support whether in the paddock, as an owner or just being a huge fan. Carol loved to go to Flamboro Downs where she met many horseplayers who turned into lifelong friends. Carol watched the races on TV every night right up until her passing. When she was more able, she also found much joy in visiting the Casinos. She loved old-time Country Music with a big love for Conway Twitty and Charlie Pride.

Later in her life, Carol renewed her faith and attended Knox Presbyterian Church in Binbrook. They welcomed her with open arms. She loved going and loved the congregation until mobility issues restricted her participation.

Carol endured many health issues in her last few years of life but fought hard while trying to stay positive.

We would like to thank all the Doctors and Nurses that have cared for Carol over the years, including Juravinski Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and especially the ICU department at St. Joseph’s for their unbelievable compassion, support and guidance during this difficult time. Also to her Bayshore PSW’s who made it possible for her to stay home where she so fiercely wanted to be.

A private service will be held for Carol on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Donald V. Brown Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Canadian Diabetes Association, The Kidney Foundation, Knox Presbyterian Church, Binbrook or Hamilton Health Sciences.

Notes of sympathy and condolence may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca