Eleanor Rose Dunn-Hankey

Eleanor "Ele" Rose (Cronk) Hankey, 78, of Great Barrington, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Southern Berkshire County to Sam and Billie Cronk on May 23, 1948, Ele was the eldest of four children. From childhood, Ele had an adventurous spirit. As a young woman Ele enjoyed horseback riding and would later take up riding motorcycles, road tripping, camping and boating on Otis Reservoir - all with her beloved late husband, Jesse. Ele also proudly had her License to Carry (LTC). Just a few weeks prior to her passing, Ele traveled to Florida with her family, eagerly riding all the roller coasters, again and again.

Ele was well-known for her wonderful sense of humor, as well as her kind, sweet, and generous nature. Ele would always put others before herself. Incredibly social, you could find Ele weekly at one of the local senior centers or volunteering for the Lee Lions Club. An active member of her community, she also belonged to the Thursday Morning Club and was a long time bowler at the Cove including bowling in the 2026 - 2027 league season in The North End league.

Ele possessed a profound spiritual strength and relied on her daily prayers to guide her through life's journeys. A woman of incredible work ethic and determination, Ele never had fewer than two jobs at a time, and would often hold down four or five at once. Throughout her life Ele worked as an administrator, caretaker, server and she spent many years working in the deli at Price Chopper. Ele was also the proud founder and owner of several businesses throughout her life.

Ele was an avid reader, devouring mystery thrillers and political science books. She loved playing cribbage, gardening, crafting, and all animals. Ele always kept at least one pet and she now leaves behind her beloved chocolate lab, Ginger.

Above all, Ele’s greatest joy was her family. She was the devoted wife to the love of her life, the late Jesse Hankey Jr. Ele is predeceased by her beloved husband; her parents, Samuel Cronk Jr. and Elizabeth "Billie" (McDonnell) Cronk; her sister, Susan (Cronk) Romano, and brother-in-law, Michael Romano a/k/a Hulky; and her brother, Richard Cronk.

Ele’s legacy of love lives on through her family, she is survived by her step-sons, Tom Hankey, his wife Sheila and Ele’s grandson Tom Jr., of Great Barrington. Mike Hankey, wife Brittany, and granddaughter Hailey of Lee. Her sister, Theresa Cronk-Decker, husband John Decker, and nephews, Blaine, Keane of Lee and Lucian Decker of Harrisburg, PA. Niece, Shana Deveaux and her husband Alex of Charleston SC; her brother-in-law, Larry Hankey and his wife Linda Betros of Great Barrington; her sister-in-law, Juanita Hankey O'Rourke and her husband Kevin of Otis; and a community of deeply loved family and beloved by many friends.

A memorial service will be held at Greenock Country Club Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Arrangements are under the care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA.