Jean Marie Berlin

She was born in Masury, Ohio on September 9, 1934.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, John Berlin, and their three children John Michael, James Donald and William Lee. She is survived by her daughter Catherine Mary and son-in-law Tram Pickett, sisters Janet Pyle and Florence (Frank) Steele, many nieces and nephews, three grandsons and three great grandchildren.

Jean and her husband moved to Englewood in the late 1950s and in 1960 established Berlin Sign Company which is still family owned and operated in the Venice location they built in 1964.

Jean was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved playing and working with children and was an active and innovative Cub Scout and Brownie Scout leader when her children were young. She was very talented in arts, crafts, sewing, needlecraft, cooking and baking. Thankfully, she patiently shared some of this knowledge with those of us who were the fortunate recipients of this bounty of homemade treasures.

Jean and her husband divided their time between their home in Englewood and their beloved cabin in Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

After the death of her husband in 2006, Jean devoted considerable time, money and effort to filling the need for a safe place for skateboarders in Englewood. Her determination was immense, as those who knew her would attest. She partnered with the local Rotary clubs and Charlotte County to make her dream a reality, resulting in the J.M. Berlin / Rotary Skate Park, a world class skate park located at the Ann Dever Regional Park in Englewood. She spent countless hours since the skate park opened advocating for additional amenities, free admission, lighting, as well as planning and funding competitions and celebrations for the skaters. She personally bought equipment for so many kids that couldn't afford it. Her generosity, mixed with tenacity, was locally legendary.

Being named Grand Marshal of the 2013 Englewood Pioneer Days Parade was a highlight and privilege for Jean.

Jean was always the first to donate her time and resources to any cause benefitting the youth of Englewood. She supported many non-profit organizations, and touched the lives of countless people in her daily acts of kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Englewood Boys & Girls Club.

A memorial service will be held at Lemon Bay Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21 at 11 am.

Funeral Information

A memorial service will be held at Lemon Bay Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21 at 11 am.