Obituary of Jacqueline Ruppert Berry

Jacqueline Louise Ruppert Berry of Fort Worth, TX passed away February 9, 2025 at the age of 98.

Rosary: 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home with Visitation following until 6:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2025 at St. Patrick Cathedral.  

Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Memorials:  The Altar Society at St. Patrick or to the Catholic Daughters of America, Court Louise No. 209 at St Patrick. 

Jackie, as she was known to friends, was born in Cisco, TX April 20, 1926, the third child of George and Pauline Duriez Ruppert. At the age of 5, while on a family trip to New Orleans, her mother died suddenly. She was lovingly raised by her father and his second wife, Colette. Jackie graduated as valedictorian of Cisco High School, class of 1943. During school, she formed a close bond with a group of young women who called themselves The Merry Maids. They remained close friends over the years; Jackie was the last living member of the group.  After high school she attended Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, TX. In 1945, she married Jim Berry. They resided in San Antonio where Jim, an Army captain and WWII pilot in the 31^st Bomb Squadron, completed his military service. Jim’s work as a project engineer for Brown and Root led them to live in multiple Texas locations, until 1956 when they permanently settled in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They were blessed with eight children.

While raising her large family, she enjoyed swimming, playing tennis, and volunteering at her parish Churches: St. Pius X in Dallas and, later, St. Patrick in Fort Worth. She was very devoted to St. Patrick, where she attended daily mass, and extended her devotion by teaching catechism for many years. She also spent time researching St Patrick’s parish history, working on its archival files, fundraising for its expansion, and participating in the care of the church through her beloved Altar Society. She continued to assist with preparing the church for regular mass and special occasions until weakness of age forced her retirement at age 94. She was also an active member of Catholic Daughters of America, Court Louise No. 209, and was the Vice President of the 31^st Bomb Squadron Association.

Jackie moved to Christus St. Joseph Retirement Village, Coppell, TX in 2021. She resided in independent living until late 2022. She survived a serious case of COVID-19, but her health began to decline, resulting in weakness and damage to her lungs. This led her to assisted living at Christus St. Joseph’s, where she was lovingly cared for by the St. Joseph staff, headed by Mithu Shrestha, and the Vitas Hospice staff, especially her nurse, Renee Gill. The family would like to thank them for the attention they gave her and for their personal expressions of love for her. They also offer thanks to her caregiver Mercy, whose tender care and companionship in Jackie’s final days was a source of comfort to all.

During her time at St. Joseph, Jackie truly missed worshipping at St. Patrick’s and being with her fellow parishioners. Their thoughtful kindness in calling or sending notes and pictures was a source of joy to her. She especially looked forward to the daily recitation of the Rosary with her dear friend and spiritual supporter, Suezan Baumhardt.

Jackie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Jim; her parents; sisters Paulette Ruppert Brown and Madeleine Ruppert Meals; a son, Mark Joseph Berry; a daughter, Josette Ann Berry; sons-in-law William Decker McClure, Jr. and John (Chip) Meehan; grandson, Ryan Berry; and infant granddaughter, Sabrina Meehan. 

A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she is survived by her children Jacqueline Caire (Arthur), Nancy McClure, Paulette Meehan, James Berry (Cathy), Helen Graham (Rob), and George Berry (Knikki). Jackie was happiest when among young children. It is a fitting blessing that she loved and is survived by 19 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.