Born Sept. 28, 1936
Burlington, Vermont
Died Oct. 22, 2025
Illinois
Carolyn Ann Berry Dermody, age 89, of Addison, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
She was born on September 28, 1936, in Burlington, Vermont, to James and Constance Berry. Ann grew up in Vergennes, where she attended Vergennes High School and later graduated from Trinity College in Burlington. She went on to earn her master’s degree from National Louis University later in life.
Ann cherished her Vermont upbringing — from skating between fish shanties in the winter to endless summer days on Lake Champlain. She often shared joyful stories of outdoor adventures with her father and fun times with her mother.
In her adult life, Ann dedicated herself to educating and empowering women through her career in adult education. She developed and led programs in Washington, D.C., Alaska, Oklahoma, and ultimately spearheaded the CETA Job Training Program, which became part of Waubonsee Community College in Aurora, Illinois. Her program was later recognized as a national “Point of Light” under the Bush Administration. In 1991, Ann was honored as Trinity College’s Alumna of the Year, receiving the Distinguished Alumna Achievement Award. Her lifelong dedication to helping others changed countless lives — a truth reflected in the letters she continued to receive from former students well into her 80s. She was a compassionate and determined leader who loved making a difference in the world around her.
While attending Trinity College, Ann met an airman named Jim — and together they built a remarkable life. They enjoyed successful careers, adventures across the country and abroad, and a joyful family life raising their two children, Kim and Kevin. Ann and Jim spent nearly three decades of retirement traveling between her favorite place on earth, Lake Champlain, and their warm-weather home in Flagler Beach, Florida. She loved hosting family at the lake, baking Fourth of July cupcakes for her grandsons, and enjoying time surrounded by loved ones. Ann also found great joy in her bridge clubs, reading, and taking in the beauty of her beloved lake and ocean views. A lifelong dog lover, she leaves behind her faithful companion, Micky.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Kim (Joe) Butzen, her son, Kevin (Colleen) Dermody, and her grandsons: Sean, Ryan, Kevin, and Connor. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Constance Berry, and her husband, James Dermody.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Berry Scholarship Fund which supports Vergennes High School graduates pursuing vocational, technical, and higher education opportunities. Venmo: @Kevin-Dermody-2 and if by Check: payable to Pershing, LLC, with Berry Scholarship in memory of Ann Dermody listed on the memo line. Checks can be sent to – Bristol Financial, PO Box 387, Bristol, VT 05443.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers who supported Ann in recent years — Jodi, Donna, and the team at At Home Senior Care in Vermont; everyone at The Blake in Pensacola; and the compassionate staff at Cedarhurst in Woodridge, Illinois, along with Gentiva Hospice in her final days.
