Eleanor was born in Austin on July 21, 1946, to Eleanor Stayton Gammon and William Gammon, Jr. She lived in Austin her entire life, attending St. Andrew's Episcopal School, where she was in the original First Grade class, O'Henry Junior High, and Austin High School. She was also a student at Mt. Vernon College and The University of Texas. In 1967, she married Matt Berry, with whom she enjoyed 47 years of marriage. Matt and their four children were the loves of her life.
Eleanor's life was centered on her home, her family, and her friends. She was, quite simply, the best mother in the world – patient, loving, and even more patient. She was always willing to spend time with a friend, to run an errand, to give a ride, and many people counted on her for help and counsel. She never gave up on anyone she loved and always gave friend or stranger the benefit of the doubt. Her grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews, and her children's friends and spouses considered her to be a second mother to them, and her home to be theirs. She kept the pantry stocked with everyone's favorite snacks and soft drinks in case they should stop by, and stop by they did, occasionally causing Matt to compare their house to Grand Central Station.
Although Eleanor was the consummate homebody, she also enjoyed traveling. Mexico and New Orleans were favorite destinations, as were any cities in which her children happened to be living. Eleanor and Matt joined old Austin friends as well as the many dear friends they made through Matt's work in the insurance industry on numerous trips throughout the United States and many other countries.
Eleanor was a lifelong communicant of All Saints' Episcopal Church, where she served on the Day School Board and Altar Guild. She was involved in the life of St. Andrew's Episcopal School over many years, serving on the Board and as Co-President, along with Matt, of the Parents' Council. She also drove on innumerable field trips, baked endless batches of cookies for bake sales, and attended countless performances and chapel services while her children were in school there. More recently she was a member of the St. Andrew's Grandparents Club and began a new round of attendance at plays and events. Eleanor was a member of the Junior League of Austin for many years, serving on its Board and devoting numerous hours to volunteer service. She was also a member of the Colonial Dames and Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.
Eleanor is survived by her husband Matt; son Matt, Jr., his wife Michelle and their children Evelyn and William; daughter Bremond, her husband Michael MacDougall and their children Robert, Eleanor Jane, and Frances; daughter Sarah and her husband Julio Verdi; daughter Amy and her husband Starr Waymack; her brother Billy Gammon; and sisters Hallie Speranza and Alice Jefferson. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother Robert Stayton Gammon.
The family would like to thank the nurses of Hospice Austin for their care of Eleanor in her final days, as well as the doctors and nurses on 15 West at MD Anderson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Patient Research Fund at MD Anderson Cancer Center, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, The Girls' School of Austin, Habitat for Humanity, or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2014 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 209 W. 27th Street. A reception will follow the service.
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