Berry Conway Passano

Berry Conway Passano, of Oxford, MD, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the age of 89. Berry was born on January 11, 1933, in Morganfield, KY, to the late A. V. Conway and Katherine Taylor Conway. Upon graduation from high school, Berry attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where she earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in 1955. Following graduation, Berry moved to Nashville where she began her career as a teacher. Berry met the love of her life, George Burgess Passano, who was serving as a lieutenant at Camp Breckinridge, a U. S. Army base situated in her hometown of Morganfield, KY. George and Berry were married on April 25, 1959. The early years of their marriage were punctuated with the birth of two sons and three major moves for George’s work. Despite having no previous boating experience, Berry happily joined George as his First Mate on many sailing adventures, including being a crew member on George’s Thistle when she was three months pregnant. Berry had many passions. As a child, Berry received a collection of wooden doll house furniture and the collecting, building, and displaying of doll house furniture and miniature scenes involving doll furniture was a hobby she pursued for many decades. While living in Berea, OH, Berry’s interest in growing and using herbs led to the creation of a small business she named The Tender Herb. Under the Tender Herb name Berry grew, dried, and packaged a variety of herbs and potpourri for retail sale. In 1979, Berry and George purchased a home in Oxford, MD, where they retired and lived for over 40 years. They spent many years together operating The Tender Herb in Oxford, which was expanded to be a local herb, gift, and professional picture framing shop. In Oxford, Berry was an active member in the community, notably participating in activities at the Oxford Community Center, and as a member of the Oxford Planning Commission from 1990 to 1994. Berry was also a dedicated member of the Church of Holy Trinity. Her devotion to the church and to the power of prayer led her to help bring the Order of the Daughters of the King to Holy Trinity, an order of lay women who dedicate themselves to prayer, service, and evangelism. Berry was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, George. She is survived by her sons, Paul and Stephen; her daughters-in-law, Frances and Elizabeth; her grandchildren, Jacqueline, Hannah, Russell, and Joseph; and her seven great-grandchildren. Berry will always be remembered by those who loved her for her soft Kentucky accent, her desire to help others, and her humility. She will be deeply missed. Private services will be held on Saturday, January 14. Berry will be honored with a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Berry Conway Passano

January 11, 1933 - January 5, 2023