LENOX, MA – Elizabeth Ann Gillmeister, 85, of Lenox, MA, died late Sunday evening, May 26, 2013 at Berkshire Medical Center of a massive stroke. Ann was surrounded by her family during her last hours. She was born in Milwaukee WI on July 26, 1927, the daughter of the late Mary (Brown) McEniry and Frank M. McEniry.She grew up in Milwaukee and summered on Lake Nagawicka where she developed a passion for sailing. She earned a BA in Philosophy from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN in 1949 and had a career in human resources in the Midwest prior to getting married to Robert (Bob) J. Gillmeister in 1956. Ann loved the arts, classical music, and played the piano. She played golf and tennis, sailed, rode horses, and skied. She extensively traveled through Europe in her late 20’s.
In her later years she avidly followed her favorite sports teams – the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Celtics, the New England Patriots, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame – watching every game and knowing the names of all the players. She was a devout Catholic and active in many civic activities such as leadership in Girl Scouts, preparing and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, and teaching CCD. Along with her husband Bob, she led the local chapter of the Christian Family Movement and the Votre Soiree Dance Club. She had a green thumb and always had a beautiful flower garden.
She leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Bob Gillmeister of Lenox, MA; four children, Mary Lee Gillmeister of Westfield, MA, Gerry Gillmeister of Pittsfield, MA, William Gillmeister of Brookfield, MA, and Kathleen Valiasek of San Francisco, CA. Ann will also be sorely missed by her ten grandchildren, Matthew Gillmeister, Jillian Young, Michael Gillmeister, Steven Ray, Jr., and Joseph, Emily, Daniel, Bethany, Thomas, and Rebekah Gillmeister, and her four great-grandchildren Anna and Emma Gillmeister and Kristopher and Keegan Young. Ann’s family would like to thank the staff of PineHill Assisted Living where she lived and the staff at Berkshire Medical Center for their compassionate care during her time there.
Funeral services for Elizabeth Ann Gillmeister will be Friday, May 31, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. from the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated by Rev. James K. Joyce, pastor. Entombment will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Mausoleum, in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Thursday, May 30th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home in her memory. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.
