Gloria Berne

Gloria J. (Rathbun) Berne, age 77, of Pittsfield, MA, passed unexpectedly at Baystate Medical Center on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

Born in Pittsfield, MA on May 22, 1945 she was the daughter of the late Mary Jones Rathbun.  Most of her working life, Gloria was employed by the City of Pittsfield, starting as a Bus Driver and was promoted through the system, ultimately earning the position of Director of Bus Operations, an accomplishment of which she was especially proud.  Gloria worked in this capacity until the time of her retirement.

In her spare time, Gloria enjoyed playing BINGO, taking trips to the casino and was a huge fan of all movies and music of The King, Elvis Presley. Gloria was exceptionally talented when it came to crochet and created beautiful and unique afghans, Christmas stockings and even figurines for her entire family. She also had a great love of gardening and found pleasure nurturing her flower beds.  Despite her busy work and family life, Gloria always kept a neat and orderly home. Above all else, Gloria loved spending time with her large and cherished family.

Gloria is survived by her beloved husband of 38 years, George E. Berne.  She also leaves her children and grandchildren; daughter, Elaine Cook and Elaine’s children, Melissa, Kristina and Scott Cook;  son, Thomas Keeler and Thomas’ children, Kristy and Thomas Keeler, Jr.; son, Mark Keeler and Mark’s daughter, Genevieve Keeler; daughter, Gail Noummano and Gail’s children Peerayot Noummano, Kimberly Kaszala, Joseph Costigan, Amy Gates and Russell Gates, Jr.; son, Paul Keeler, Jr. and his wife, Anna and their children Paul Keeler, III and Leann Keeler; and son, Shaun Keeler and his wife Michelle and their daughter Marah Keeler.  Gloria is also survived by her sister, Marlene Carr, her brother, Robert Rathbun, George’s children, George J. Berne and Michelle Berne Garcia, and 16 great grandchildren.

In addition to her mother, Gloria is predeceased by her siblings Arnold Rathbun, Arthur Rathbun, Paul Rathbun, Joyce Bigelow, Joanne LeClaire, Cheryl Reed, Dawn Dauer and Faith Daily, as well as two grandchildren, Rachele Carr and Robert Cook, Jr. 

Visitation for Gloria Berne will be SATURDAY, March 25 from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home.  A funeral home prayer service will begin at Noon.  Burial will be private for family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to help the family with funeral expenses may be made by calling the funeral home at (413) 445-5988 to donate over the phone or mailed to

Devanny-Condron Funeral Home at 40 Maplewood Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201.