Mary Helen Berberich, 79, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020 at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana with her husband by her side.  She was born on July 31, 1940, in Alexandria, Virginia, the daughter of Edward “Verne” and Louise Virginia (Donald) Bliss.  She married Charles Edward Berberich on July 22, 1972 and he survives.

Mary was a faithful member of Saint Sebastian Catholic Church which she loved dearly.  Throughout the years, Mary was involved in the Church in many ways, including serving on the Parish Council, singing in the choir, teaching PSR classes and organizing fundraising events.  As a vital part of the social and fellowship committee, Mary organized the church’s bowling outings, provided many delicious meals for the various gatherings and funeral dinners, and was a huge part of organizing the Fall Fest.  She always made sure it was a great time for the children and they always took home lots of treats.  Mary is a former member of the Daughter’s of Isabella.  She and Charlie enjoyed traveling.   They took several trips with friends to Branson Missouri.   Most important to Mary was her family.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She took her role as homemaker to heart and provided a loving home for her husband and her six sons.  Raising six boys is no easy task but Mary ran a tight ship in their home and saw to every detail of every need of the whole family and did it all with love.   Mary loved life, had a sweet smile and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends. 

Mary leaves behind her husband of forty-seven years, Charlie; six sons, Charles Andrew Hagerman, Jr and his wife Laura, Kevin Hagerman, Edward Berberich and his wife Teresa, Glenn Berberich and his wife Glenda, Christopher Berberich and his wife Amanda, Daniel Berberich and his wife Lauren;  grandchildren, David Berberich, Meagan (Gavin Pritt) Hagerman, Brendon (Jessica Spurlock) Berberich, Katrina Hagerman, Tameka Berberich, Simon Berberich, Brice Berberich, Mary Sophia “Sophie” Berberich, Anneka Berberich, Akenna Berberich, Takenna Berberich, Tanneka Berberich; great-granddaughter, Iris Berberich;  sister, Delores “Dee” (Bliss) Campbell;  numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Charles Andrew “Andy” Hagerman, Sr; brother, Gordon Bliss; sister, Beverly Jean “Jeannie” (Bliss) Sacra; nieces, Nora (Campbell) Greer, Mary Ann (Campbell) Jenkins; nephews, David “Mark” Campbell, Tommy Bliss, and Keith Bliss;  granddaughter, Monica Markle.

Due to the current COVID 19 mandated restrictions, we are unable to provide the type of service Mary deserves.  A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the graveside, Thursday, April 16, 2020 at St. Sebastian Cemetery.  A Celebration to honor Mary’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of floral arrangements or gifts, the family has requested memorial contributions be made in Mary’s memory to Saint Sebastian Catholic Church and can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.   The family would welcome sympathy cards which may also be mailed to the funeral home.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Mary’s   tribute wall and leave a note of condolences for the Berberich family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com