Dorothy Mae Berry

HAMILTON -

Dorothy Mae Berry, 85, of Hamilton passed away of natural causes Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at The Hamilton Assisted Living and Memory Care. Dorothy was born March 24, 1940, in Lewistown, Montana to Frank and Mary (Tucek) Cecrle.

Dorothy was raised on the family farm south of Kolin, Montana with her brothers and sister.  Dorothy lived a life filled with love, dedication, and inspiration. After graduating from Moccasin High School in 1957, she was admitted to the University of Montana.  During her college years, she was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and the Mu Phi Epsilon music honorary, showcasing her passion for music.  She earned her degree in Music and Education from the University of Montana in 1961.

Dorothy shared her talents as a teacher in Denton, MT upon graduation for four years and later at Roundup, MT for one year before dedicating over 30 years to inspiring young minds as a music teacher in the Hamilton School District. Her creativity, musical talent, and dedication to her students left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate to learn from her.

While at the University of Montana, Dorothy met Dale E. Berry, the love of her life.  On August 10, 1963, Dorothy married Dale with whom she shared a beautiful partnership built on love, mutual support, and shared joys. Together, they raised two sons, Brian and Bradley, who carry forward her legacy of kindness and resilience. Dorothy was passionate about supporting her boys in their basketball, sports, and activities, cherishing the special moments shared during many camping, fishing, and hunting trips, always encouraging them with unwavering love and enthusiasm.  Dorothy was a proud and devoted grandmother to Isabelle, Sophia, Owen, Kimberlie, Dylan, Deric, and Austin, finding immense joy in watching her grandchildren grow and thrive.

Over the years in Hamilton, she was very active in music, giving private voice lessons out of her home.  She was an active member of St. Francis Catholic church leading the choir for many years.   She had a lifetime love of gardening and flowers and loved nothing more than spending Mother’s Day loading up on flowers for another summer around her home.   Upon her husband Dale’s death, she was appointed to his seat in the Montana State Senate serving two years.   In retirement, she remained active with her church, volunteering, tending her flowers, and seeing her grandchildren grow.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dale, sister Anna Mary, brother Dean, and parents Mary and Frank Cecrle. Dorothy is survived by brothers Dale and Wayne, sons Brian and Bradley (Amanda), and cherished grandchildren, Isabelle, Sophia, Owen, Kimberlie, Dylan, Deric, and Austin.

A Vigil service will be held at the Daly-Leach Chapel on Tuesday, April 15, at 6:00 PM. Dorothy's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Hamilton on Wednesday, April 16, at 11:00 AM, followed by interment at Riverview Cemetery. There will be a reception following the burial at the Pastoral Life Center next to the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Friends of the Hamilton School Foundation (memo Berry Scholarship) in her honor.

Dorothy’s legacy of love, music, devotion, and treasured family traditions will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.