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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Eleanor Bertolli, 104, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Franklin House of Portage Pointe in Hancock.
Eleanor was born on August 3, 1920, in Paavola, to the late Abraham and Brita (Boom) Naponen. She attended the Arcadian and Hancock Schools.
On March 7, 1942, she married the love of her life, Ralph Bertolli. Together, they made their home in Painesdale on Kearsarge Street and raised their one son, Gary Bertolli. They loved entertaining and visiting with their friends around town. Ralph and Eleanor would dance at The Eagles and grab a cold one at the Cozy Corner. They had fun exploring and picnicking throughout the UP, always ending their adventures with an ice cream cone. After 55 years of marriage, Ralph preceded her in death on February 12, 1998.
Mrs. Bertolli was a housekeeper and a nanny to the Joffee family for many years. Eleanor, affectionately known as “Big Bama” by her family, loved dancing, figure skating, and sewing. She was fond of her dogs, made a mean pasty and enjoyed baking her famous brownies for others to enjoy. Eleanor loved a good cup of coffee and a long conversation. She will be remembered for her laugh and warm hospitality.
Besides her husband and her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her son Gary Bertolli, grandson Nicholas Bertolli, her siblings; George, William, Charles, Walfred, Arthur, Clifford, Celia, Bertha, Ann, and Robert. Also preceding her in death was a special friend Hank Pellikka.
She is survived by her granddaughter: Toni Bertolli (Todd Micoley)
Daughter-in-law: Margaret Bertolli
Great-grandchildren: Tatiana (Christian) Erickson, Tahlia Micoley, and Trey Micoley.
The family would like to thank Little Brothers for their support, Ruth Chopp and Lorna Kaspala for their friendship with Eleanor and the staff at Portage Pointe for their compassionate care.
A funeral service for Eleanor will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock with pastor Mark Halonen to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Mt. View Cemetery in South Range.
Visitation will take place from 10 am until the time of services at the funeral home.
To view this obituary or to send condolences online to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
