Helen Stroup, 95

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Helen Stroup, 95, formerly of 37 Dewey Ave. went home to God peacefully on Easter Sunday morning, April 16, 2017, at Mount Carmel Care Center in Lenox, with her daughter by her side. She had resided there after a brief illness since Nov. 29, 2016.

Born in Pittsfield on Oct. 2, 1921, a daughter of Giuseppe and Rosina Occhicone Frieri, she attended Pittsfield schools and Pittsfield High School.

Mrs. Stroup was employed by the former Eaton Paper Co. and its successor, Sheaffer Eaton, for 30 years and retired in 1984.

She was also employed at the former Junior League Thrift Shop for five years and the Christian Center Boutique Shop for 10, and was a volunteer at the Christian Center until her retirement at the age of 88. She was also a representative for Avon for 20 years.

She enjoyed reading, collecting and selling antiques, going to tag sales and spending time with her family and welcoming her closest friends at her home. Up to six months ago, at the age of 95, she would still go out every Saturday to get her groceries and do her banking no matter what the weather. She was definitely a creature of habit and nothing was going to change her routine.

Her husband, Robert G. Stroup Sr., whom she married on June 21, 1945, died on Jan. 10, 1983.

She leaves her daughter, Deborah DeForest and her husband, John "Jack" Sr., of Pittsfield, both of whom were the light of her life; her brother, Ralph Frieri of Adams; three grandchildren, John DeForest Jr., and Emily and Robert Stroup; one great-grandson, Alex, and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, her caregiver Kim Nessler and two family friends Tiffani and Mark.

She was predeceased by three sisters, Antoinette Meyerhoff, Mary Jaworski and Julia Mercaldo.

Anyone who knew Helen saw her as a wonderful, loving, caring and giving person who always put her family and friends first before herself. During the last year, her devoted son-in-law was always there for her whenever she needed assistance or to bring her to Doctor’s appointments. A special thanks to the entire staff at Mount Carmel Care Center for their care and compassion they showed Helen during her brief stay, she kept the nursing staff on their toes every day. Also, thanks to Elder Services, Meals on Wheels and the Pittsfield Police Department for performing community outreach checks in her neighborhood and stopping by and chatting with Helen when she was outside on her porch. Her daughter and son-in-law are very grateful to all.
 
FUNERAL NOTICE:  Funeral services for Mrs. Stroup will be held Saturday, April 22, at 9 a.m. from Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, with the Rev. Monsignor Michael A. Shershanovich, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Calling hours at the funeral home will be Saturday morning from 8 until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute-Breast Cancer Research or American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.