Obituary of Harriet C. Berkeley

Harriet C. Berkeley, 93, passed away March 2, 2021 at Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Cortland, NY. She was born June 2, 1927 in Smithfield Township, PA to Anna Mayhood Carey and Leon Carey. Harriet was one of eleven children who grew to be a close knit group, offering a lifetime of enjoyment. While in high school at Owego Free Academy she met and later married Russel J. Berkeley, the love of her life, they wed on September 22, 1945. They set up housekeeping in Owego, NY initially. In 1950 Scintilla (Bendix) offered a job opportunity in Sidney so the family moved to the tri-town area. In 1954 they purchased a countryside residence that would become Harriet’s home until 2011. In addition to being fully invested as a mother and homemaker she was devoted to gardening, plants and vegetables, known to have a green thumb. She took a great deal of pride in her family and the opportunity to host them any time and cooked many holiday meals. In later years she enjoyed many church and senior citizen functions, active at Unadilla Center United Methodist Church, Unadilla Senior Meals and Sidney Senior Meals. Her time at Sidney Senior Village (2011-2018) allowed her to maintain many of her interests and make a few new friends. Harriet is survived by 3 sons and daughter-in-laws; Ron & Sue of Norwich, Russ & Terri of Unadilla and Ed & Mary of Cortland. Additionally, she is survived by 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Russel (1964), daughter Gerry Ann (1964), son Ken (1973), a beloved granddaughter (2019) and a precious great granddaughter (2018). In light of the Covid-19 status the family has elected to forego services at this time. A spring graveside memorial will be planned at the Rogers Hollow Cemetery for a yet to be named date. Final arrangements are being handled by C.H Landers Funeral Home, Sidney, NY.