Eleanor Berman

Eleanor Jean Berman peacefully passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ellie was born in Bowne Township, Michigan, and was a proud Michigander for her entire life. Ellie was an intelligent, inquisitive woman with a life-long zest for learning. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Education, and another Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. She began her career teaching in North Muskegon, Michigan, but later moved back to the greater Kalamazoo area, happily raised her family, and continued her quest as an educator for 20+ years in Centreville Public Schools. She loved teaching at Centreville and spent her time working with the Community's high school students in Home Economics, English, and as a Guidance Counselor. She enthusiastically led the Future Homemakers of America and attended various sporting events, helping with concession sales and just rooting on her students. She encouraged and mentored her students; always looking out for their best interests and creating life-long friendships. Ellie had an abundance of love for her family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards, reading, building puzzles in the pandemic, going to the theatre, watching the University of Michigan basketball and football games, volunteering at the annual USTA Boys' National Tennis Championships at Kalamazoo College, but mostly, spending time with family. She took great pride in her grandchildren. Ellie frequently traveled to Atlanta, GA to visit her grandson, Sam, where she proudly shared in his Bar Mitzvah and watched him play in the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band. In Whitehall, Michigan, Ellie was routinely on the sidelines to cheer on her granddaughter, Abbie, as she kicked for the Whitehall Vikings' football team and played soccer. She was admired for her independence, determination, and strong love. Ellie was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and James McClurkin, her former husband Laurence Berman, and sister Marilyn VanStrein. She is survived by her beloved sons Kenneth (Beverly) Berman and Daniel (Pamela Protzel) Berman, grandson Samuel Berman, granddaughter Abigail Berman, brother Jim (Marilyn) McClurkin, and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her adoring family and community. Information on Ellie's celebration of life will be forthcoming. Memorial contributions can made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.