Helene K. Leavitt

Helene K. Leavitt, 91, of Pittsfield, MA passed away peacefully, Saturday, June 29, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Born and raised in Great Barrington, MA, she was the daughter of Isabelle and Leonard Kosberg. She graduated from Searles High School, Great Barrington, MA in 1950. She continued her formal education, earning an R.N. degree from Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, NY, where she began her healthcare career after being offered a managerial position prior to her graduation.

Helene returned to the Berkshires and wed Bruce Leavitt, in January 1956. They raised three daughters in Pittsfield, MA, celebrating many milestones together, with humor, humility and grace, good food, incredible friends and neighbors. Without any doubt, there is a Naybore of the Year soiree taking place, with pool music, food and adult beverages, non-stop laughter and a grand finale of illegally imported fireworks.

As a young mother, she continued her nursing career first at St. Luke’s Hospital and then, Pittsfield General Hospital (now BMC). Although not a fan of the “outdoors,” she was convinced to be the camp nurse at Chimney Corners Camp in Becket, MA for five consecutive summers, which to her final days, she fondly referred to as “Camelot.”

She continued her youth-focused, healthcare career with closing out a 24+ year tenure at Miss Hall’s School. She started at the school as a part-time nurse and eventually created and managed a comprehensive healthcare services department. In addition to her healthcare responsibilities, she served on numerous school committees and was a student advisor.

Helene was a life-long volunteer and fundraiser for numerous non-profit health/medical-related organizations. After retiring, she did volunteer work for Tanglewood (Highwood Manor) and The Hancock Shaker Village. Helene also participated in Reading for the Blind in Pittsfield programs.

Helene was a member of Knesset Israel Synagogue, where she was a member of the KI Sisterhood and an active participant while raising her family. She was a life member of Hadassah.

Helene was predeceased by her parents, Isabelle Kosberg (1987) and Leonard Kosberg (1977), and her husband, Bruce Leavitt (2011).

She is survived by her three daughters, Julie Weiss (Eric), Amy Leavitt and Kim Leavitt; grandchildren, Lauren Hubbard (Joshua) and Max Weiss; extended family, Tinkle Club members and their children, friends, colleagues and multiple generations of “Marlboro Country - and that other street.”

The family is eternally grateful to the staff of Berkshire Place for the wonderful care she received as a resident the past 2 ½ years, after suffering a stroke and unable to live independently. Helene was appreciative to all who cared for her and happily shared with the staff her extensive knowledge and advise on how to achieve their individual professional success.

Per Helene’s wishes, a private, graveside funeral service was held on July 2, 2024, at the Ahavath Sholom Cemetery in Great Barrington, MA. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in Helene’s memory to: Berkshire Place (please note: Healthcare Providers Education Fund) in Pittsfield, MA or to The Hancock Shaker Village of Hancock, MA, through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com