Ellen Erdwein , age 63, died Oct. 10 after living with cancer for the past two years. Ellen was the wife of Stephen Berall and mother to Jeffrey and David. Ellen was born in New York to the late Rosita and Hyman Erdwein and grew up with her brother Neil and sister Marsha. In keeping with her caring, compassionate, and selfless nature, Ellen attended Beth Israel Hospital School of Nursing in New York City and entered the nursing profession. She later obtained a B.S. degree from Bridgewater State College. Her life’s work as a registered nurse was devoted to helping adults with special needs in group homes throughout southeastern Massachusetts.
Ellen has been honored for her outreach, both personally and professionally, as a treasured and contributing member of her community. She recently received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the State of Massachusetts for her exemplary work and “commitment to enhancing the health, safety, dignity and independence of individuals with developmental disabilities.” From the Duxbury community, she received the Volunteer of the Year award. She also served on the Interfaith Council as representative of Shirat Hayam and chaired the “No Place for Hate” committee.
The driving force of Ellen’s life was to help others. Most important to her were her sons Jeffrey and David, and her travel partner, best friend, and beloved husband, Steve, with whom she shared the last 42 years. Together they traveled the world, created a wonderful and welcoming home and family in Duxbury, and tended the garden that she so greatly enjoyed.
She is survived by her husband Steve, sons Jeffrey and David, sister Marsha and husband Michael, brother Neil and wife Denise, nieces and nephews Lisa, Amy, Brandon, Darren, Steven, and Emily, grandnieces and nephews Dovid, Shlomo, Madeline, Stella, and Sarah.
A service in celebration of Ellen Erdwein’s life will be held on Oct.13 at 12:30 at their home, 254 Elm Street, Duxbury, MA.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made in Ellen’s honor to The Wellness Community – MA South Shore, 273 Hanover St., Hanover, MA 02339 or to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445-7226, Attn: Contribution Services.