Mary Emma Berkey

Mary Emma Berkey, age 99, passed in her sleep December 2, 2017, at her home in Hillsboro.

Mary Emma was born on April 25, 1918, in Cloverdale, Oregon. She was the eldest of two daughters born to William Clent and Ruth (Holmes) King. She was raised and received her education in Tillamook, graduating from Tillamook High School with the Class of 1936. After graduation, Mary Emma worked at the Tillamook-Portland Auto Freight as a secretary, and was a civilian office worker at the Naval Air Station/Blimp Base during WWII. She married Don Berkey in Tillamook on July 14, 1945 when he returned from overseas. When Don retired from banking in 1982 they became snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona. After Don's death in 2002, Mary Emma spent 6 months of each year with her son and family in Yuma, Arizona and 6 months with Claudia and her family until she moved to Hillsboro in 2015.
Mary Emma was a loving and devoted mother, an avid golfer, bridge player and seamstress, and loved trailering. She was a wonderful and gracious hostess. Mary Emma was always very involved in the Episcopal Church and P.E. O. wherever she and Don lived.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Don, her sister, Jane Kerr, and her parents.
Survivors include her three children and their spouses: Greg and Loi Dene Berkey of Yuma, Arizona; Harvey and Nancy Berkey of Rock Creek, Oregon; Claudia Berkey Cougle of Milwaukie, Oregon; her four grandchildren: Dan, Shannon, Emily and Nathan; two great-grandchildren, Donald and Brandon, and one great-great grandson, Daniel, along with her special nieces and nephews, and her dear friend, Ferriel DeLap.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choice.