Ann Haldiman Berry

PHOENIX – Ann Haldiman Berry, 88, of Phoenix died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on August 22, 2023.

Ann was born to Verland and Louise Haldiman on August 23, 1934. She was a proud native Phoenician. She graduated from North High

School in 1951. Ann is survived by her children Debbi Berry Moran, Rick Berry, and John Berry; Ann’s sister, Helen Haldiman Harper; grandchildren Jake Berry, Summer Berry, Tyler Berry, Keegan Berry Moran and Matthew Berry; great grandchildren Clark Berry, Shawna Berry and Everly Berry; nephews Greg Harper, Steven Harper.

Generations of Phoenicians knew Ann as the owner and director of Junior Assembly, an iconic dance and etiquette program for children of the Greater Phoenix area which has been in operation for nearly 90 years.

She took over Junior Assembly in 1969 introducing thousands of children to dance and social etiquette. Ann was at the helm of Junior Assembly for more than 50 years guiding young students in dance instruction including foxtrot, waltz, disco, and rock all while teaching social graces and proper manners along the way. Be kind to others was her motto which she demonstrated every day. Junior Assembly became a rite of passage for generations of Valley teenagers.

Ann was the matriarch of our family, the glue that held us together with the perfect blend of “wild and crazy” and we loved her for it. Ann will be dancing in our hearts forever; we will miss her dearly. We know that she is teaching all the little angels in Heaven how to “Get jazzy” while learning the foxtrot “forward touch, sidestep, back touch, sidestep”.

Honoring her wishes, no services are planned. The family suggests donations to Hospice of the Valley at https://hov.org/donate/. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.