Mary E. (Baker) Berlin

Mary E Baker Berlin of Seneca PA entered eternal rest on June 11, 2025, surrounded by love, laughter and reminiscence as family gathered by her side.  It was completely fitting as she was the personification of “home” for us all no matter how many miles separated us.  May she rejoice in the presence of her Lord whom she loved so much and spent many years in earnest devotion to, remaining a member of Grace United Methodist church in Oil City for over 60 years. 

Mary, known to our family as “Nan”, led a simply beautiful life because she celebrated the things that were truly important.  Her relationships were dear to her heart in the most inspiring way.  Allow me to introduce you to our Nan in case you weren’t one of the lucky ones to know and love her.  She was the oldest daughter of 3, preceded in death by her brother Bob Baker and survived by her sister Betsy Baker Peters, she was a loving sister, guiding mother, nurturing grandmother, authentic friend and devoted wife of 59 years to Gerald “Dutch” Berlin until they were separated by his death on 09/15/2012.  Mary was an expert worrier, comforting shoulder, truth teller, and secret keeper.  She could make a friend anywhere she went.  Pizza, spaghetti and chocolate peanut butter ice cream were favorites of hers. She loved a fun gathering and a great outfit, especially if her best friend Peggy Craig Mathers was going to be there.  A resolute swimmer of laps at the local YMCA for countless years and member of the “pink hat ladies” known for their pink swim caps.  They remained great friends in and out of the pool until her last days.  When Mary was at home, she filled countless hours lost in a good book, could be found soaking up the warmth of the sun on a nice day out back, usually had her tv tuned to a game show if it was on and could never be found without a Reese’s peanut butter cup in a drawer somewhere.  Her devotion to her family was displayed with grace and warmth.  Dropping everything to comfort a crying grandbaby overnight when her daughter called for help, enjoying sacred moments during summer breaks with granddaughters that lived unacceptably far away, and continuing a deep and meaningful connection with her beloved grandson through every age and change in his life.  They believe no one could be suited better to be their grandmother than Nan. As Nan aged and needed more care and help in her home, Cindy Peterson stepped up and into her life. They formed an unshakable bond that deserves special mention, we couldn’t be more appreciative to you, Cindy.

We will always carry her light and caring along our ways because she first loved us.  Her legacy remains within us because she was so generous to give it away to those that she held dear in her life.  How lucky are we!

This chapter is closed:  July 22 1931-June 11,2025.

We will love you always, Nan, until we meet again.

Vicki, Kevin, Pam, Beth, Bink, Brian, Renea, Heather, Brad, Alexis, Anthony, Collin & Hannah

A gathering in remembrance and honor of Mary will be held Friday, June 13, 2025, from 2-4pm at the Hile-Best funeral Home, inc. 2781 Route 257 Seneca, Cranberry Township.  After visitation a funeral service with follow at 4pm with Barb Dittman Director of Lay Ministries at Grace United Methodist church Oil City, Officiating.  To send a condolence, please visit www.hilebest.com.

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