Carolyn McKay Berry Yaryan was born to Marie Josephine and Harry McKay Berry in February of 1924 here in Austin, Texas. She was a graduate of Austin High School and attended the University of Texas where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Carolyn and Jess Oliver Yaryan were married at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Glendale, California in June 1942, just after the start of WWII. While Jess was overseas during the war, Carolyn returned to Austin and was active in the Junior League of Austin.
During the Korean War, Jess returned to active duty and a military career. As a military family, the Yaryans were stationed at Air Force bases in San Angelo and Sherman, Texas; Okinawa, Japan; Victorville, Camarillo, and Edwards AFB, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Kansas City, Missouri. After so many assignments, the family finally returned to Austin in 1963 to make a permanent home. As Carolyn's three children attended high school and the University of Texas, Carolyn continued her volunteer work with St David's Hospital where she was honored for over 25 years of dedicated service. After 64 years of marriage, her husband Jess died in 2007.
Carolyn, known as Carrie to some and Mimi to her grandchildren, had a warm and sometimes mischievous smile and an infectious laugh. Carolyn is survived by son Jess Oliver Yaryan III of Dallas, daughter Sally Berry Yaryan of Austin, and daughter Patricia McKay Yaryan James and her husband Stephen James of Austin. Grandchildren are Kelly Lynn James and Christopher James, his wife Emma James and great grandchild Sydney James.
Of the Berry children in Carolyn's generation, her older sister Patsy Berry Hammond, an artist, and her younger brother Harry McKay Berry, a noted businessman in Austin, predeceased her. Carolyn passed away peacefully January 1, 2017 at the age of 92. The family wishes to thank the volunteers and staff of Hospice Austin and the fine staff of Brookdale Spicewood Springs for the great and loving care of our mother.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Austin Pets Alive or to the charity of your choice.
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