Joyce A. Berry-Nilson

NORTH OXFORD – Joyce A. (Perron) Berry-Nilson, 85, of Maple Avenue, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester.

She is survived by two children, Sandra A. Brown and her husband David of Millbury, and George “Chuck” C. Berry and his wife Laurie of Auburn; a brother, Greg Wolfe of Washington; her best friend, Carolyn Merson of Oxford; seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Richard “Mike” Berry who died in 1989; her second husband, Frank R. Nilson who died in 2004; two sons, Mark Berry who died in 1997, and Richard Berry who died in 2023; a grandson, Ryan Berry who died in 2022; one brother; and one sister.

She was born in Auburn, daughter of the late Joseph C. and Alva M. (Beane) Perron. She graduated from Leicester High School in Leicester.

Mrs. Berry-Nilson worked for the Department of Public Works in the City of Worcester for 31 years, retiring as head office clerk in 2002. She was a member of St. Roch’s Church in Oxford, and participated in Good Grief in Paxton. She was a very active member of the Oxford Senior Center and went on many of their trips. Joyce was a member of the Council on Aging for 18 years, and served as chairman for several years. At the senior center, she was a member of the Knitter’s Club and donated clothing and blankets to the maternity center and NICU at Memorial Hospital.

She was a member and past president of the Auburn Emblem Club, and belonged to the Local 170 Retirees Chapter. She enjoyed line dancing, square dancing, and traveling.

A funeral will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling hours are Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Senior Center, 323 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540.