Edina, MN - Barrette Louise "Berrie" Lounsberry passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, just days before her 81st birthday.

Born Barrette Louise Baker on March 6, 1945, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Warren and Betty Baker, she was raised in East Lansing, Michigan with her siblings Brad (Linda) and Barb. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ed Lounsberry. They began dating in high school and married during college — beginning a 60-year partnership marked by devotion, adventure, and deep faith.

Berrie and Ed shared one of those rare, steady love stories that quietly shapes everything around it. Ed's unwavering support, encouragement, and partnership fueled Berrie's life and work. He delighted in her gifts and championed her calling. Those who knew them well understood: Berrie's impact on the world was magnified by Ed's steadfast presence.

Their first son, Ryan, was born in East Lansing before the family began a series of cross-country moves that would define the next chapter of their lives. San Jose, California (where Molly was born), Westminster, California (where Brad was born), Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, Wayland, Massachusetts, and eventually Edina, Minnesota — each move embraced not as disruption, but as a grand adventure. Wherever they landed, Berrie built community...She did not merely make friends; she wove people together. She had a way of stepping into a new place and, within months, making it feel like home — not only for herself, but for everyone around her.

Her grandchildren were among her greatest joys: Kenzie Caron (Jack), Clara Tutera (Dom), Bennett; Amelia Merz (Nathan); Tommy, Kate, Charlie, and Susie. Her great-grandchildren, Emma and August Caron, delighted her beyond measure. Berrie and Ed were present for games, performances, school events, ordinary afternoons, and extraordinary moments — fully invested in whatever captured their grandchildren's hearts.

She hosted gatherings at their home and cabin that made people feel like family. She had the rare ability to make a person feel fully seen. People often describe her as the most loving person they have ever known - a woman whose red lipstick, matching nails, pearls, and unmistakable Red Door perfume signaled both elegance and warmth. When Berrie entered a room, it felt brighter — not because she demanded attention, but because she gave it.

In 1983, just three years after moving to Edina, Berrie founded The Berry Patch Preschool. Her vision was simple: if children knew they were deeply loved and believed in, and learning came through play, they would develop a lifelong love of learning. What began as a small school in their home became a beloved institution of the community. For 43 years, The Berry Patch has nurtured thousands of children and families. It continues to shape hundreds of young lives every year — a living testament to her philosophy that love, joy, and trust are the best foundation for learning.

In 2021, Berrie was diagnosed with colon cancer. After six months of chemotherapy, the cancer remained at bay for three and a half years. When it returned and metastasized in 2024, she endured 18 additional months of intensive chemotherapy while remaining astonishingly engaged in life. She continued loving, gathering, celebrating — refusing to let illness define her final chapter.

In late January of this year, it was revealed that the cancer was progressing. In one final act of courage and love, she chose hospice comfort care, supported by Grace Hospice, rather than aggressive surgical intervention.

The final month of her life was marked by togetherness — children and grandchildren gathered close, friends visiting, stories shared, laughter woven gently into goodbye. She spent her last week at Little Hospice with Ed faithfully by her side. She rallied to watch granddaughter Clara's wedding via FaceTime and held on until her children could return to Minnesota to be with her and their father. Surrounded by Ed, Ryan, Molly, and Brad she passed peacefully just before noon on February 26.

The outpouring of messages, memories, and gratitude from across the country has been staggering — a reflection of the extraordinary reach of her love. The community she spent a lifetime building is now holding her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minnesota, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6 — what would have been her 81st birthday. In true Berrie fashion, birthday dessert — hot fudge sundaes with peanuts, her favorite — and coffee will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Whittier Wildflowers Preschool in Minneapolis, Minnesota (https://whittierwildflowers.org/give) and Peruvian Partners in Flores de Villa, Peru (https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YR0T/campaign/C-ZBN0) — two schools quietly launched and supported by Berrie and Ed over the years.