Teresa Lynne Berry

Teresa Lynne Berry, 51, of Marion, Iowa, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa. Teresa fought a courageous battle with triple negative breast cancer and won, but it fought back and spread throughout her body, eventually ending her battle. She passed away surrounded by her family and boxers, Naomi and Thorston. Teresa wanted to let everyone know that your prayers and support during her battle were greatly appreciated. She hoped that by telling her story, that maybe it would help someone else. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Christ Community Church in Marion, where a visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Urbana Memorial Cemetery in Urbana, Iowa. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

Teresa was born on June 20, 1973, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of David and Lynne (Kisling) Berry. She was the baby of the family, being the youngest of three girls. Her older sisters are Renee and Shelly. Teresa’s family moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa, when she was five years old, and her parents bought the bowling alley there. After graduating high school, she moved back to Marion where she has lived ever since. Teresa was married but she later divorced. Her son was born in 2004 and was her greatest joy. Brady was in the NICU when he was born and that’s when Teresa was called by God to be a nurse. As a single mom, Teresa started nursing school at Kirkwood Community College in 2006 and graduated in 2010. Her Kirkwood family meant a lot to her and were instrumental in her success and earning her RN. She graduated and began working at St. Luke’s Hospital, where she worked her way up and found her passion taking care of the elderly, especially her residents with dementia. She loved her job at Bickford Senior Living and was overjoyed to return there. She wanted to tell her past resident’s families’ that she’s going to hug all of them when she gets to Heaven. 

 Teresa wanted to tell her friends and family that she is ok. She is no longer in pain and is always going to be with each of you. Please don’t be sad forever. In her own words: “Please remember me and smile as I will always be watching over you and I will meet you at the Pearly Gates when you get to Heaven. To my parents, thank you for being there for every appointment/infusion. To my sister, Shelly, thanks for being my rock during this time. To my son, Brady, I love you and will be watching over you. Please don’t grieve me forever. I want you to be happy, find love, have kids, and live life to the fullest. I am so proud of you. I love you to the moon and back.” Teresa will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

 Teresa is survived and lovingly remembered by her parents, David and Lynne Berry of Marion; son, Brady (Laura) Thomason of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Renee Ransdell of Cedar Rapids, and Shelly (Jeff) Pearson of Marion; three nephews, Zach (Jessie) Nielsen and their sons, Kaiden and Nolan, Blake (Jess) Nielsen, and Drew Pearson; nieces, Sydney (Brandon) Nielsen and Ashley Randsell; and special friend, David Lockard. Teresa loved her boxers she leaves behind, Naomi and Thorston, whom her parents have now adopted into their home.

 She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

 Please celebrate my life. Do not mourn me as I am dancing in Heaven. The pain is gone. I am well. We all die twice, once when our bodies give out and again when our stories stop being told.