Ann Marie Berner
December 17, 1938 — March 15, 2026
Fairport, NY – March 15, 2026, at the age of 87. Ann Marie, nee Barrow, passed away peacefully at Monroe Community Hospital after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Ann Marie, lovingly known as “Ree” to many, a native born Rochesterian, attended Sacred Heart Academy elementary School on Flower City Park and John Marshall High School where she graduated as class valedictorian in 1956.
Ann Marie continued her education at St. Louis University in Missouri, where she met the love of her life, David Leo Berner. In May 1960, they graduated with degrees in Chemistry and Biology. The couple was married on July 1, 1961, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, with a reception at the former Crescent Beach Hotel in Rochester. Their cherished daughter, Sherry, was born the following year in 1962 while they were living in Ames, Iowa.
She furthered her education at Glassboro State University in New Jersey, earning a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. With great enthusiasm and dedication, she founded her own preschool, “Peter Pan.” Ann Marie later worked in corporate administration at Xerox in Rochester and went on to serve in higher education administration at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Ann Marie was generous in countless ways to her family, friends, and neighbors. Adventurous in spirit and known for her “CAN-DO” attitude, she was always eager to learn something new. A lifelong learner, she embraced a wide range of interests, including German, Italian, piano, sewing, and upholstery—there was no project she wouldn’t tackle.
She loved traveling the globe and seeing new places with David and the two of them really enjoyed their travels throughout their marriage of 64 years. Together they took dance classes of every kind including Square dancing, Line Dancing and numerous Ballroom dance classes which she loved.
Ann Marie volunteered at St. John’s Home for many years and would volunteer to assist anyone who needed help in ANY way. She showered her grandchildren with her talents and gifts, her strengths of creativity in all areas, and was a “Hero” and often a refuge for her grandchildren, whom she adored.
Ann Marie will be profoundly missed. Her spirit and the memories she created will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Ann Marie is predeceased by her parents, John Barrow & Constance (Cirilla) Barrow; sister, Constance Manfreda. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, David Leo Berner; Daughter, Sherry (Lawrence) Hall ; grandchildren, Riley (Gerard) Looser, Lawrence Hall (Taylor), David Hall (Halle), Shawn AnnMarie Hall (Caroline); great grandchildren, Georgia, Stella and Pierson Looser and James David Hall; Brother, John Barrow, Sisters, Charlene Norter, Francis Hafner (Ray), Roberta Potter and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
The family extends special thanks to the staff at Monroe Community Hospital for their unwavering care, support, and love over this past year. They are especially grateful to the hospice team from URMC, who provided Ann Marie with a peaceful and dignified passing and offered invaluable guidance during her final journey.
There will be no prior calling hours. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, at Assumption Church in Fairport. A reception with refreshments and light fare will follow immediately after the service at the church.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Ann Marie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester and the Finger Lakes, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618;
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research-and-progress?form=FUNDHYMMBXU
20 responses to “Berner, Ann Marie”
Dave and Family, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of “Ami.” We were grateful to have her in our lives, taking care of our daughter Sara in her younger days, and babysitting for our dog Tupper. She will be greatly missed…
Mark
Many thanks for your email about Ann Marie
David and family, I am so sad to her of Aunt Marie’s passing! She was always so warm and kind to me. My heartfelt condolences to all of you!
Steve
Many thanks for your email about Ann Marie
Dear Dave and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember how loving she was towards me and my family. I enjoyed talking and laughing with her at family functions years ago. She will be truly missed . ❤️
Tom
Many thanks for your email about Ann Marie
Dear Sherry, I always enjoyed chatting with your mom when she was at various gatherings with our young children. She was always kind and warm. May her memory be a blessing 💕
Amy
Many thanks for your email about Ann Marie
David, so sorry for your loss. Ann Marie were such kind neighbors to me.
Mary Lee
Many thanks for your email about Ann Marie
Dear Dave and Family.
I am so sorry for your loss and saddened by the news I recieved today. You and Ann-Marie have made such an immense impact in my life and I will forever be grateful for that.
Thorsten
Thorsten
Many thanks for your email about Ann Marie
Dear Dave,
We were so saddened to read of Ann Marie’s passing, and although regretfully we’re unable to attend her service because of a prior commitment, our hearts will be with you. You and she did such a loving job all those years as chief dog sitters for our beloved sheltie Toonie; and even prior to that, working with her at CRCDS, with her kindness and competence, was an extraordinary gift. May wonderful memories of your life together bring comfort and joy!
Gail and Anthony
Thank you for your kind words about Ann Marie
Dave,
I am so sorry for your loss of Ann Marie. She was such a thriving person that I always enjoyed living net door on Ritter Lane. As I read the obit, I never realized her accomplishments and journey in life. She was very special. May she rest in peace. To you, Sherry and the family, cherish all the memories.
John
Thank you for your kind words about Ann Marie.
David
Uncle Dave & family,
We are so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Ree. She ALWAYS made us laugh. She never held back and we enjoyed that about her. 💚 She will be missed.
Dear Dave: So sorry about Ree. We have lost touch over the years but the memories of all our trips with Jack and all the laughs we had over the years will never fade. Love,Linda Catleugh
Dave. I just read amount and Mary’s passing this past month and March. I thought of her often and you as she was my. Sweet? Mate. Add Margarita we became good friends in college and the last time I talked to her. I was in Rochester far a swim meat with my grandson something just told me to look Her up tonight. We had a wonderful time together in college. My condolences to you.love Donna excuse my errors in this message.
I was so sorry to learn of Ann Marie’s passing. I worked with her at the Genesse Hospital Child Care Center over 45 years ago. I never forgot her. Her spitfire personality and her connecting with people stayed with me all of these years. I remember meeting you a couple of times, Dave. She loved you to bits! I am so sorry for your loss. You, your family and all of those who loved her, are in my thoughts and prayers.