Eleanor Bergman

Eleanor Bergman, 83, of Valdosta, loving and joyful wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away on December 30. She was a vibrant woman who lived a life full of big experiences, both personally and professionally. It was only much later in life that she faced serious, irreversible health issues.

Eleanor was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York by her parents Paul and Bertha. In Brooklyn she met and captured the heart of Elliot, her husband of 63 years. Their chance meeting across a crowded room at one of the local dances that popularized the day was the type of fairy tale encounter representative of an era when all things seemed possible. Her life and their lives together demonstrated that this was indeed the case for a couple very much in love and eager to face the world bolstered by their passion for adventure, education, parenting and their professions.

As a mother and role model to her three children, Peter, Eric and Phillip, Eleanor provided limitless love and support while instilling a strong sense of self-reliance. Kindness, compassion and a joyful outlook on life were hallmarks of Eleanor's personality.
Eleanor was a woman who valued education for herself and others. She earned a Master of Science degree in learning disabilities from the University of the Pacific and spent most of her professional life educating children and adults, particularly those confronting learning challenges. This included positions with the University of California at Berkeley and working as a public school teacher. She also started educational consulting practices in San Francisco and Valdosta supporting those with learning disabilities. She often said: "If children can't learn the way that we teach, then we must teach them the way they learn." Eleanor's work in the education sector resulted in a nomination for Valdosta Woman of the Year. She also reinvented her career later in life, transitioning to the real estate sector where she specialized in the field of corporate relocation.

Eleanor embraced life, seeking out new experiences and taking risks. Prior to moving to Valdosta, much of her life was spent in the cultural and business centers of New York and the San Francisco Bay Area. She also lived in England in the 1960s, traveling extensively with her husband and family in the UK, Europe, USSR, Israel, Scandinavia and parts of West Africa. Eleanor traveled the world with style and grace. She also enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Eleanor defined herself by the motto "Live, Love, Laugh" – a fitting description of her approach to life.

Eleanor is survived by her husband Elliot; her sons Eric and Phillip; her grandchildren Andrew, Alison, Zivitte and Eleanor; and her nieces Michele and Joan and nephews Larry and Leon. While her family grieves the loss of Eleanor, they are overwhelmingly and profoundly thankful for their many years together and the wonderful memories of her life lived with passion and purpose. Please consider making a donation in memory of Eleanor to Temple Israel, 511 Baytree Road, Valdosta, GA 31602.

The graveside service for Eleanor will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 3, 2016 in the Hebrew section of Sunset Hill Cemetery. Rabbi Moshe Elbaz will officiate. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home




Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602