Eleanor M. Berkel, 98

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass — Eleanor M. Berkel died at home on July 25, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. 

In passing, she joins her husband Robert, to whom she was happily married for 63 years, her brother Joseph Bauer, and her sister Marie Ford, who was also her best friend. 
 
Eleanor was born on Sept. 23, 1922, in Brooklyn, NY, the youngest of Anna and Frank Bauer's three children. When she was young, the family moved to Baldwin, Long Island, where she always said she had a happy childhood. 

After graduating from Baldwin High School, Eleanor worked as a secretary for a lawyer. She met Robert G. Berkel in 1942, and after a short courtship, they married in Baldwin, at St. Christopher's Church. The young couple lived in Oceanside for a short time before settling in Seaford, where they raised five children. They moved to the Berkshires in 1971.   
  
Eleanor's faith was very important to her. She was Catholic and a longtime communicant of St. Peter's Church in Great Barrington, where she attended services until she was 94, and she was equally devoted to her family. She kept a beautiful home for her children and grandchildren, and she never missed a single birthday. Eleanor also enjoyed her time alone, and was an avid reader, tennis fan, crossword-puzzler, seamstress, and knitter.   
 
Eleanor is survived by her children: Virginia Titterton of Great Barrington; sons Robert Berkel of Stockbridge and Donald Berkel of Waterford, Conn.; daughter and son-in-law Joanne and Richard Pavoni of Great Barrington; and her daughter and son-in-law Marianne and Michael Gilardi of Pittsfield. Eleanor is also survived by her grandchildren Christopher (Beth), Jason, Michael (Paula), Stephanie (Ron), Brian (Jennifer), Phoebe, and Kaitlyn, and her great-grandchildren Riley, Fiona, Avery, Olivia and Dylan.  
 
SERVICES – There will be no calling hours.  A funeral Mass will be held on Monday Aug 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church, 213 Main Street in Great Barrington, MA.  
  
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Eleanor to HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.