PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  Eleanor Ruth Auge known to those who loved her as Ellie, Ma, Meme, Nanny and Bamma took her rightful seat beside the Blessed Mother October 8, 2021. An instant angel, she departed this world peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at home.

Born in 1924 in North Adams, MA to Adalore and Blanche Contois, she was also predeceased by her sister, Nancy Potter. Ellie was graduate of Drury High School in 1942, where she met and later married her great love, Dr. Bernard Auge. In support of her husbands' WWII posting, she graciously declined a scholarship to Bay Path College who later honored her as a graduate. Throughout her life she held many distinguished positions including private secretary to Father John O'Brien at the University of Notre Dame and previously served as President of the Massachusetts Dental Auxiliary Association.

Eleanor was a natural athlete who loved riding horses, tennis, baseball, and was a ping pong champion. She was often found playing cards, specifically war, with her many grandchildren while cheering for the Red Sox.

The bedrock fountain of her family, she lived by a steadfast tenant to serve her Lord, her Church and those in need. She approached the world with a kind and open heart and strived to make it a better place. She even turned her favorite hobby, knitting, into an opportunity to serve a higher purpose. She sent thousands of bandages to the lepers over 21 years, supplied hats and mittens to the Red Hat Indian School and provided over 3500 baby hats for preemies in need. A picture of grace, she humbly steadied the ship around her through her unshakable faith in her Creator. In her home, there was always a seat at the table, cookies in the jar, and wisdom in her words.

She took her last breath holding the hand of her husband of 78 years in their home thanks to the selfless care of her son Tom and nurse Brook Speth. She looks down from heaven on those she left on earth including her 5 children Bernie "Jerry" & Carol Auge, Christine & Greg Yon, Gene & Karen Auge, Tom Auge, Tim & Kim Auge, as well as 12 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 3 great- great- grandchildren.

SERVICES: We will celebrate her life with calling hours at St. Agnes Church on Tuesday, October 12th from 4-7pm. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, October 13th at 10 am at St. Agnes Church with the Rev. A. Peter Gregory, Pastor Emeritus of St. Charles Church, as Chief Celebrant. Concelebrants will be the Rev. Christopher Malatesta, pastor of St. Agnes and the Rev. Timothy Campoli, retired pastor of Blessed Sacrament in Greenfield, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Josephs Cemetery. The family requires both masks and social distancing.

To continue to serve those she loved most, particularly children, we ask in lieu of flowers, that you donate to "The Kids Place of Pittsfield, MA" in care of the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home which has been entrusted with Ellie's care.