Carolyn Quin Berry Matteson

Carolyn Quin Berry Matteson, 77, passed away suddenly on June 9, 2025 after a short illness, with her daughters by her side.

Carolyn was a lifelong resident of Waco, Texas, born to Dr. George W. and Mary Nelson Quin Berry. She and her family were dedicated members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. In 1966, she graduated from Richfield High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin. She was a proud Life member of the Texas Exes Association.

Carolyn found connection to her community through volunteering for many local charities, including the Junior League of Waco, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Altar Guild, Oakwood Cemetery Board, and Meals on Wheels. After being a full-time parent to her daughter Mary Quin, she restarted her career midlife, and earned a second degree in Commercial Art. She worked as a graphic designer for many years. She also spent time caring for her mother, Mary Nelson. In 2000, Carolyn was reunited with her firstborn daughter, Tonya, who quickly became a loving part of the family. Eventually, she returned to the nonprofit sector for the remainder of her career. She held positions at Meals on Wheels of Waco, the Alzheimer’s Association of Waco, the United Way, and 211 Texas. Through every stage of her life, Carolyn remained a caring mother, daughter, and friend.

Carolyn loved art her entire life, and found joy in sharing her talents through painting, pastel drawing, and photography. She was an avid reader, learner, and encouraged curiosity and creativity in her children and grandchildren. She was also a breast cancer survivor. Through her deep connection to her family, she developed a passion for genealogy, recording invaluable family history. She was lucky to have traveled with friends and family to many places in the world. She was also a member of the Current Events Club and Colonial Dames.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Nelson Berry, and her aunts and uncles, Dorothy “Dot” Berry, Ruth and Jim McCord, Jan and George Morris, and Harry and Betsy Quin. Survivors include her daughters, Mary Quin Moore and husband Clint, and Tonya Knauth and husband Rick; her grandchildren, June, Katherine, and Matthew Knauth, and Truett and Cormac Moore; brother, George W. “Bill” Berry, Jr. and wife Patsy; and nephews, Reed Berry and Brady Berry and wife Andrea; as well as many cousins and extended family.

A graveside service is planned for August 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery with a reception to follow; additional details will be shared closer to the date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Meals on Wheels Waco or Alzheimer’s Association Waco.