Remembering Susie Berry

Susie Berry OBE, Trustee for the South East, died in October. Initially a founding member of Ridgeway u3a, she soon became more widely involved in the u3a movement - becoming Chair of the Thames Valley Network, and a Trust Volunteer and Trainer. In 2020, she became Trustee for the South East for four years, where she supported and met many u3as.

Members across the u3a movement, including Chair Allan Walmsley, share their memories of Susie.

Allan Walmsley, Chair of the Third Age Trust

Susie and I joined the Trust Board together in the autumn of 2020 - I say together, but in fact in those days, all our contacts were on Zoom where my head and shoulders view of Susie was a bi-spectacled, pony-tailed, rather experienced and outspoken woman. Of course Zoom does very little for building relationships and tends to create an unreal perception of people.

We met face to face for the first time some 12 months later. As our personal relationship developed, with the aid of frequent late night free-flowing alcohol and conversation, it became clear that she and I thought very much alike about most of the key issues affecting the u3a movement. It became almost a standing joke in meetings as we would both have our hands up to ask a question and when one would speak, the other would lower their hands saying something along the lines of " Ah! that's what I was going to say".

It was in those late night sessions that more of her skiing and judging background came out. As a former international alpine skier and FIS official delegate until her passing, she regaled me with the tale of how she had chaired the committee that initially turned down Eddie The Eagle's ambition to represent GB in the Olympic Ski Jump. This and many other tales of shuttling life between the UK and Switzerland, showed the breadth of life experiences that she brought to her role as a Board Trustee.

Susie will be sadly missed throughout the u3a movement. Her passion as a trainer shone through as she led on countless workshops and training events bringing a simple common sense to many new u3a members and Trust Volunteers. The members who attended the Festival in July may recall her donning her u3a tabard, authoritatively directing traffic outside the front entrance, or marshalling walkers ready for their appointed start time. In her home South East Region, Susie will be fondly remembered as an indefatigable part of the regional team, visiting u3as and networks to promote the ideals of the movement.

Finally, although we didn't know it at the time, Susie spent three of the last days of her life with her fellow Trustees and former colleagues in Milton Keynes at the AGM, various dinners and meetings. Even with evidence of health issues, she continued to push passionately in meetings to right the wrongs as she perceived them. That strength of character will be fondly remembered amongst her fellow Trustees, but I hope that her legacy has been to inspire others to step up, speak common sense, and show the same sort of commitment and dedication to the movement.

Tributes from across the movement

Barry, Chair of Ashford, Wye & District u3a

Susie was the very "font of absolutely all u3a knowledge". It was amazing how she could rattle off a definitive answer to a random question from any member, and always spoke with great authority and learning. She will be tremendously missed at all the u3a events she helped organise and attended. Rest in Peace Susie.

David, Chair of the South East u3a Forum

On behalf of the Trustees of the South East u3a Forum, and of the many u3a members within the South East and from around the UK, who have attended the Chichester Summer School, I wish to express sincerest condolences to Susie’s family on their sudden tragic loss.

Susie was a power house of encouragement, support, and enthusiasm for all things u3a, and as Chair of the S.E u3a Forum, I have been privileged to work with her over the last few years. She encouraged and supported me together with the Trustees and the Summer School Team members to pick up the challenge after the Covid period, to resume the ever-popular Chichester Summer School. I am so pleased that she was able to visit the 2024 Summer School in September, accompanied by the then Chair elect of the u3a, Allan Walmsley, and witness the happy vibes of all the attendees at the school.

Her family have lost a loved one, and our thoughts go to them in this difficult period. u3a members have lost an outstanding Regional Trustee and friend. We must all try to maintain the enthusiasm and energy in our u3a activities, as an ongoing memorial to Susie.

Maria, Chair of the Trust's Governance Committee

On behalf of the members of the Trust’s Governance Committee I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Susie’s family and friends.

Susie was a highly valued and long-standing member and Vice Chair of the Trust’s Governance Committee and we thank her for her hard work, commitment and support.

On a personal note, having worked closely with Susie on very many workshops, I always found her very helpful, friendly and supportive.

Susie will be sorely missed.

Barbara Stevens, Trustee for u3a in London 

Our Chairman, Trustees, and members of u3a in London offer sincere condolences to Susie Berry’s family and friends on their sad loss.

Susie was a huge inspiration and extremely active in the many roles she undertook and enjoyed within the u3a movement and will be sorely missed.

Jean Hogg, Chair of Southwell u3a

I first met Susie almost six years ago when we were both on the Development Committee. Later I was one of her fellow Trustees on the Board and, later still, we worked together as Trainers, particularly on the Managing Complaints workshop, which we helped to develop.

It was very satisfying working with her. Susie could initially seem rather intimidating but as I got to know her better, I realised that beneath that was a very kind heart and a great deal of energy. She had enormous commitment to the u3a movement and everyone who spent time with her will probably be able to identify something that she had an impact on. I last saw her at the AGM recently where we had the type of stimulating conversation usual with Susie. I had no idea that she was not well and felt extremely shocked when the news of her death came through. She will be missed by many and remembered with fondness.

Margaret Fiddes, Trustee for Yorkshire and the Humber 

I became a Trustee at the same time as Susie 4 years ago. We were new girls together and back then we had some good chats about what we had let ourselves in for – what were we doing!?  She quickly became a trusted colleague on the board, and her work with the council has laid the foundation for a new era for u3as. I will remember laughing with her, and seeing her in her u3a tabard at the festival this summer, welcoming members with a broad smile on her face, and dashing around the workshop with flowers for one and all at our floral crown session. At our last evening together after the AGM we laughed again about the horrible fake lilies on the table – I shall be replacing them with lovely fresh flowers for her at our next dinner.  God bless Susie.

David Blanchflower, North West Region Trustee

I was so sorry to hear of the death of Susie having just spent three days in her company at the u3a AGM and board meetings. As a recently appointed Trustee I found  Susie to be very supportive and welcoming, always ready to offer me guidance and support, her death is a great loss to the u3a movement. I extend my sincere condolences to her family.