Kristen Kay Gunderson Berry

Kristen Kay Gunderson Berry, 60, of Seven Lakes, N.C., left this world peacefully Monday in the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ while surrounded by her family.

Kris was born June 13, 1956, in Colorado Springs, Col., to James, a retired master sergeant, and Carol Donielson Gunderson. She was the beloved wife of James; the loving mother of Nickolas and Kara; and the treasured sister of Sheryl and Lisa.

Growing up in a military family, Kris lived in several states and eventually settled in Zelienople, where she lived as a young adult. She graduated from Seneca Valley High School in 1974 and went on to attend Butler County Community College.

Kris was employed at Universal Manufacturing Corp. for many years before relocating to North Carolina. She met her husband at Epic Enterprises, where she served as marketing manager for the past 25 years.

Kris lived her life to the fullest with beautiful charisma. She inspired others and demonstrated her deep faith in God by living an exemplary life. She had an immense love for family, friends, music, painting and the outdoors, especially the ocean.

With a kind and generous heart, she served the West End Presbyterian Church as an elder, served on the board of deacons, participated in the Women's Evening Circle and teaching Sunday school.

Always looking to help others in need, she volunteered with Family Promise of Moore County, an organization dedicated to alleviating homelessness, and Moore Buddies by mentoring youth and empowering local families.

Kris is survived by her beloved husband of 16 years, James Berry, of Seven Lakes, N.C.; her son, Nickolas Brittner, of Naples, Fla.; her daughter, Kara (Brad) Brittner Stockham, of Aberdeen, N.C.; her mother, Carol Gunderson, of Seven Lakes, N.C.; her sisters, Sheryl (Ron) Cepek, of Harmony, and Lisa (Alston) Reed Gallagher, of Harmony; her niece, Rachel Gallagher, of Harmony; her nephews, Ryan (Ray Jay) Gallagher, of Washington, D.C., Jacob Schlumpf, of West End, N.C., Tyler Gallagher, of Cranberry Township, Lucas Schlumpf, of Troy, Ohio,; and her grandnephew, Moses Heine, of Harmony.

She also leaves behind her mother-in-law, Betty Berry; her brother-in-law, Nolan (Janice) Berry; her sister-in-law, Cathey (Brian) Feimster; her stepsons, Scott and Byron Berry; and her stepgrandsons, Christopher and Eric Berry, all of Morganton, N.C.

Kris was preceded in death by her father James Gunderson, of West End, N.C.; her maternal grandparents, Zearl and May Donielson, of Michigan; and her paternal grandparents, Lawrence A. and Ruby Gunderson, of New Jersey.

“Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.”

— Author unknown

BERRY — A memorial service for Kristen Kay Gunderson Berry, who died Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, will be conducted later.

Kris requested her whole body to be donated for medical research through MediCure.

Memorial contributions may be made in Kris's honor to the West End Presbyterian Church Youth Center, 275 Knox Lane, West End, NC 27376; Smile More Complain Less, a local nonprofit helping those who are fighting cancer, at www.smilemorecomplainless.com; or the Zelienople Community Park, PO Box 402, Zelienople, PA 16063.