NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Eleanor O'Neil Taff, a thoughtful, caring, person, completed her earthly journey and passed from this life into eternal rest on October 28, 2016, at the age of 83.

Eleanor was born in Patterson, N.J., on November 5, 1932. She was the third child of the late Michael J and Helen Sanborn O'Neil.  She graduated from St. Luke's Catholic School in Ho-ho-kus, N.J., in 1950. Shortly after High School, Eleanor entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. She graduated from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., in 1960. 
After 18 years of giving her life in Serving the Lord, she changed her path in her life and left the convent only to continue to teach young students at Drury High in North Adams, Mass., from 1965-2000. She also taught at Mark Hopkins Jr. High School. Within a short time, Eleanor met her late husband William Taff and settled in North Adams. She served as a volunteer at the former North Adams Regional Hospital, and was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church.
 
Eleanor was a member of the Massachusetts Teacher’s Association (MTA) as well as the National Education Association. She enjoyed reading, listening to music and taking long walks. Many of her summers were spent at the beach in Maine.
 
Survivors include her brother Kenneth and wife Helen O'Neil from Wall Township, N.J.; a sister, Loretta and husband Daniel R.Canales from Rutland Vt.; a niece, Jennifer Ann Canales Senecal and husband Glen Senecal and their daughter Cordelia Mae Senecal from Rutland, Vt.; a nephew, Dr. Ryan D. Canales and wife Ericka DAvanzo Canales from Williston, Vt.; and a stepson, Robert Taff and his wife Denise of Bennington, Vt.

Eleanor was predeceased by her brother Eugene and wife Maryann Bell O’Neil, both from New Jersey.
 
Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 5, 2016, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams at 11 a.m. There will be no calling hours; however, after Mass there will be a fellowship at the Boston Seafood Restaurant in North Adams. All are invited to join us. Those unable to attend the service are asked to consider doing a good deed for others on this day in celebration of Eleanor's life.
 
In lieu of flowers, it is respectfully suggested that memorial gifts may be made to Williamstown Commons or Hospice in Williamstown. Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals.