Eleanor was born on May 12, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, the seventh of eleven children. She passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Danbury, Connecticut, following a brief illness.
Eleanor married James A. Berge in 1956, and together they raised five children. In the early 1970s, they moved the family from the city to a home they built on the side of a peaceful lake in Kent Cliffs, NY.
Eleanor was known for her love for her family, which radiated through everyone around her. She was cherished by her children, extended family, and many friends who visited, lived, and stayed at the Berge home over the past 50 years. She attended Brooklyn College in the 1960s, and in 1982, at the age of 46, went back to school to earn a nursing degree. She later worked at Putnam Hospital in Carmel, NY, as well as in-home health.
She and Jim were honored to serve with the Kent Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Eleanor was always active, full of warmth and love, and she never failed to make space for one more, regardless of the circumstances. Her kind heart, sense of humor, and sharp wit will be remembered by all who knew her.
Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents, Anna & Richard King of Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, her husband, Jim Berge, sisters Theresa, Joan, and Judy, and brothers Joseph, John, George, and Richard.
She is survived by her children: James (Wendy) Berge of Stratford, CT; Maureen Berge of NY, NY; Donald (Lily) Cosico-Berge of San Diego, CA; Kevin (Tina) Berge of Ludlow, VT; Donna (Gildas) Thoraval of Knoxville, TN. Her beloved grandchildren: Alison Berge (Trent Gary) of Brooklyn, NY; James (Tina) Berge of Easton, CT; Anna (Nick) Yost of Easton, CT; Jade Cosico-Berge (Yev Nemchinov) of Gresham, OR; Joseph (Ashely) Berge, of Rutland, VT; Jonathan Berge of Francestown, NH; Joel Thoraval of Knoxville, TN. Her four great-grandchildren: three sisters and an abundance of other family and friends who she loved deeply.
Mom had requested to be cremated and to forgo a traditional wake and funeral service. She lived a long and amazing life and will always hold a special place in the hearts of family and friends. As a result, we will come together to honor her in a "Celebration of Life" later this summer. Please reach out to the family members for details.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Mom's favored charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate) or to a charity of your choice.
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