Josephine "Jo" Berra

Herrin- Josephine Jo Berra, 96, of Herrin, passed away at 6:23 pm, Thursday, November 8, 2012 at Herrin Rehab and Care Center. Jo was born in Herrin on May 21, 1916 to Alex and Tressie (Comi) Berra. After graduating from Herrin High School, she worked first at the WPA Finance Dept. and the Illinois Ordinance Plant accounting department, before retiring from the Norge division of the Borg-Warner Corp. having worked as secretary in the manufacturing engineering department for 34 years. Jo was a catholic and lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic church in Herrin as well as a loyal Cubs fan. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and was a Eucharistic minister for the sick. She was a greeter at masses (she found this to be a special blessing and loved doing it when she was able). She was a caller for the parish funeral dinners and worked at the parish health fair. The Messenger interviewed her about her role in the parish and her involvement in the Future Full of Hope campaign for the Belleville Diocese. The Schola Choir and Ring Bearers at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel were such a joy to her. She always admired and praised them. Jo volunteered at least one day a week at the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center in Herrin and was involved in their annual fund raising event, The Christmas House. She was proud to be connected to the Center and enjoyed working with the staff, especially Kathy Schimpf. She was the contact person for the cookies from bakeries throughout southern Illinois for the Christmas House as well as arranging the advertising for their marquee. She was a member of the Williamson County Programs on Aging, was a charter member of HerrinFesta Italiana in 1991 and served on the research/historical committee for two years. She received the Outstanding Service Award from Norge Herrin Credit Union in 1982, the Helen Garnati Memorial Award in 1998, the Hall of Fame award in 1999, and the Dedicated Service award in 2002. Jo is survived by several cousins and many close friends from her Church and community. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother in law- Netta and Victor Huck Surgalski and one brother- Louis Banjo Berra. All of her family had predeceased her and she was grateful to God for sending her a second family in many close and loyal friends and knowledgeable physicians who were always there when she needed them. She was the godmother and baptismal sponsor for Margie Calcaterra, Alex Caronongan and Jaxon Wiseman. In addition, she served as confirmation sponsor for Trenton Cannon and Annie Sexton. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 Am, Monday, November 12, 2012 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 Am until time of service, Monday at the church. Funeral arrangements were made through Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church/ Education Foundation and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 South 13th St. / Herrin, IL 62948.