Mrs. Eleanor Marjorie Steele

PERU- Eleanor Marjorie Steele, 96, of Peru, Massachusetts, entered into eternity, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on December 23, 2018. Eleanor was born in Pittsfield on November 26, 1922, to Marjorie A. and Clayton Bunt, she graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1941 and Berkshire Community College in 1942. Eleanor and her husband Robert R. Steele, who passed away on August 10, 2003, were married on July 5, 1947. Mrs. Steele worked at Pittsfield National Bank, George Murphy Company, Scalise Construction Company, South Street Motors, and retired from Berkshire County Head Start in 1984. She was the Town Clerk and Treasurer for the Town of Peru for many years. Eleanor was a member of the First Congregational Church of Peru and held several offices including Treasurer, Nominating Committee, and many years on the Church Fund Raising Committee. Mrs. Steele was a member of the Hinsdale Grange #19 for over 52 years and held various offices including Treasurer and Floral. Eleanor was also a member of the Hinsdale-Peru Senior Citizens Club and the Peru Guild which organized many social activities for the town’s people. She helped to raise funds for the first Firehouse that was built in the 1960’s, for the Town of Peru. Eleanor enjoyed camping, gardening, making crocheted and knitted handcrafts. After her retirement, she found she had an artistic, creative talent for oil painting and she shared all these talents with her dearly beloved family. Eleanor leaves two daughters, Coralie E. Pelkey and Charlene F. Steele, both of Peru; two sons, Laurin R. Steele of Rotterdam N.Y., and Kevin W. Steele (Francine) of Indiantown, FL; one sister, Bette Gillett of Sebring, FL; eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. One great-grandson, Nelson Pelkey, was born on her birthday in November 26, 2014 which made her birthday even more special. FUNERAL NOTICE-The funeral for Eleanor M. Steele will be conducted Saturday, December 29 at Peru Congregational Church at 11AM by Pastor Norman Lee. Calling hours will be Friday from 4-7PM at BARTLETT-WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME in Dalton. The Hinsdale Grange #19 will hold a Memorial Service at 6PM. Eleanor was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews and enjoyed helping friends and neighbors. Burial will be in the South Cemetery in Peru in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Peru Congregational Church or the Peru Volunteer Fire Department both in care of the funeral home, 525 Main Street, Dalton, MA 01226.

Mrs. Eleanor Marjorie Steele

November 26, 1922 - December 23, 2018