Mary Beth Berchild, 65, of Jackson, WI, died on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Froedtert West Bend Hospital, after a 14-year struggle with Myotonic Dystrophy. Mary Beth was born in Appleton, WI, on September 12, 1960, to James and Phyllis (Marek) Sylvester. In 1964, the Sylvester family moved to Wauwatosa, WI, where Mary Beth spent the remainder of her childhood, graduating from Wauwatosa East High School in 1978. After high school, Mary Beth moved to Cedar Rapids, IA, where she attended Kirkwood Community College. In Iowa, she lived with her sister, Patti, brother-in-law Nick, and their young daughter, Jessica, who affectionately referred to Mary Beth as “Aunt MayMay”.

Mary Beth met the love of her life, Daniel Berchild, while he was boarding in a house down the block from her family home in Wauwatosa. They were married at Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park Domes on September 4, 1982. In 1989, they welcomed a son, Matthew, who died from cancer April 2, 2026. The Berchild family lived in Wauwatosa, Germantown and Jackson.

Mary Beth had recently been residing at Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation in West Bend, WI, where she was beloved by staff and residents alike. Our gratitude to the Cedar Community for the care they provide is immense. The family also thanks the wonderful staff at Froedtert West Bend Hospital for the care, dedication and compassion they demonstrated during Mary Beth’s final days.

Mary Beth was known for her bright smile, easy laughter, gentle manner and kindness towards others, as well as for being a loving wife and mother to Dan and Matthew. She quickly drew the lasting nickname of “Angel”, which was proudly emblazoned on many of her shirts. Mary Beth also had a life-long love of dancing, musicals, gymnastics and figure skating. She often recalled the many hours of ballet practice she attended in her youth.

Through the years, Mary Beth primarily stayed home to raise Matthew, but she also did bookkeeping for several companies, worked for the Menomonee Falls School District, worked in the shoe department at Kohl’s Department Store, and volunteered at the Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital. When disabilities made it difficult to leave her home, she enjoyed talking on the phone with her siblings and looked forward every week to “spa day” with big sister, Patti.

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and son Matthew.

She is survived by her husband, Dan, sister Patricia (Nicholas) Spencer, brother Mark (Tammy) Sylvester, sister Christine (Charlie Terry) Sylvester, and brother Michael (Kathy Meyer) Sylvester. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins, and their children.

A private gathering will be held to honor Mary Beth’s memory at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Services, 1315 West Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095, 262-334-2776. Mary Beth will later be laid to rest next to Matthew at Washington County Memorial Park, West Bend, WI.

Those who wish to honor Mary Beth’s memory are encouraged to donate to Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, 663 Thirteenth Street, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612 (myotonic.org/donate).

Mary Beth will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Mary Beth's arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.