Eleanor A. Berney (née Handford), age 89, of Rochester, New Hampshire, formerly of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on June 2, 2021. Eleanor was born on October 25, 1931 to the late Harvey and Lenore (née Allen) Handford. She is survived by her son Donald and daughters Susan (John) and Katherine (Rory), granddaughter Deanna (Brendan), grandsons Matthew and Collin, and sister Kaye (Tim) and various nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, Dr. H. Allen Handford.
Eleanor was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, class of 1949, in Des Moines, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English from Drake University in 1953 and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of New Hampshire in 1970. In addition to being a cherished mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Eleanor was a librarian for many years at the Rochester Public library. This career was a perfect fit, as she loved reading and learning, and was an avid film watcher, often coming home with books and movies from the library. Eleanor was always the author of her own story, exhibiting an independent spirit, and a warm tenderness and fierce loyalty to her loved ones.
Eleanor’s funeral service will be held privately. In lieu of flowers donations can kindly be made to the Rochester Public Library in her name, 65 S. Main St., Rochester, NH, 03867. Online condolences can be sent via www.batemanfuneralhome.com
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Lamont and Leslieann Thompson says
June 5, 2021 at 2:32 pmOur deepest sympathy to the family and especially to Deanna. She was an awesome person with such a vast background. We would have loved meeting her for a story or two. We pray God will watch over her and be there to give everyone strength through this sad time.
Dee and Jim Vickery says
June 20, 2021 at 12:26 pmWe have kept in touch with Eleanor since our class years @ Roosevelt…and Dee with her at Drake. Recall her attending some of our class reunions. We were thinking of her earlier this month as we cruised around Cape Cod. We have lived in Des Moines since our 1953 marriage. Peace to Eleanor and her family.