Mary Berry's Family: From Tragic Loss to Culinary Legacy
Since stepping down from her iconic role on The Great British Bake Off in 2016, Mary Berry has captivated audiences with her diverse endeavors, including the documentary Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking. Beyond the spotlight, Berry leads a serene life with her husband and children, surrounded by the love of her grandchildren. This article delves into the heartwarming story of Berry's family, marked by both sorrow and triumph.
Berry's Three Children
Mary Berry and her husband, Paul Hunnings, have three children: Thomas, William, and Annabel. In a 2017 interview, Berry shared the challenges of balancing motherhood and her career in the 1980s. Despite the difficulties, she expressed gratitude for the experience. Thomas, the eldest, chose a path different from his mother's, becoming a tree surgeon. Annabel, on the other hand, followed in Berry's culinary footsteps, training at the renowned Cordon Bleu cookery school and occasionally joining her mother on TV.
A Tragic Turn of Events
The family's life took a devastating turn when Berry's younger son, William, passed away in a car accident at just 19. Berry vividly recalls the moments leading up to the tragedy. In an emotional interview, she described preparing a roast lamb for William's return from university, only to receive the devastating news. The loss of William left a profound impact on Berry, who shared her thoughts on the experience in the BBC documentary The Mary Berry Story.
Annabel's Culinary Journey
Annabel, Berry's daughter, has carved her own path in the culinary world. She, too, trained at Cordon Bleu and has appeared alongside her mother on TV. In the 1990s, Berry and Annabel collaborated on the successful 'Mary Berry & Daughter' brand, producing a range of dressings, chutneys, cake mixes, and sauces. The company was eventually sold for £2.5 million in 2014.
Grandmotherly Joy
Berry's children have now started families of their own, making her a proud grandmother of five. Thomas's twins, Gracie and Abby, bring joy to Berry's life, while Annabel's children, Louis, Hobie, and Atlanta, add to her happiness. In her interview with Woman & Home, Berry expressed her love for her grandchildren, stating, 'I'm very involved with my grandchildren, too. I love having them over – and I don't like giving them back!'