Obituary for Louise M. Filkins (Scace)
Louise Marie Scace Filkins, 92, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at her home on September 10, 2022. Mrs. Filkins was born in Pittsfield on July 16, 1930 to Franklin and Anna Tierney Scace.
After graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1948 and Pittsfield Secretarial School in 1949, she married Byron E. Filkins, her husband of 26 years. In 1970-1978 she was employed as personal secretary to Anthony Roberto, Sr, followed by a career at General Electric in Pittsfield. Upon her retirement in 1991, she traveled extensively, and enjoyed many years wintering in Sarasota, Florida.
In 2001 she converted her beloved home in the Berkshires into a charming Bed & Breakfast. For 15 years the Hollyhock House welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy the peace of her well-tended garden and delicious homemade meals.
In addition to gardening, she loved jigsaw puzzles and collecting antiques. Much to the delight of her friends and family she was an excellent baker and a fierce competitor in games of cribbage and scrabble. She was also a communicant of St. Mark’s Church.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her older siblings, Franklin Scace, Ruth Carpenter, William Scace, Robert Scace, Mildred Manzolini, Warren Scace, and Mary Ketchum and her lifelong friend Joyce Jones.
Mrs. Filkins is survived by her seven children, Deborah Filkins Phaff, Diane Kuhl, David Filkins (Betty), Peter Filkins (Jill), Andrew Filkins (Julie), Paul Filkins, Marcia Sweet (fiancé Thomas Beasley); eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her caring friend, Ann Claffie Mottley.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to her grandson, Ryan Creasman, who lived with her for past 10 years, for his support and devotion.
Her family will be gathering for a Celebration of Life at her home on a date of the family’s choosing.
Per her wishes there will be no services. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hancock Shaker Village in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
After graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1948 and Pittsfield Secretarial School in 1949, she married Byron E. Filkins, her husband of 26 years. In 1970-1978 she was employed as personal secretary to Anthony Roberto, Sr, followed by a career at General Electric in Pittsfield. Upon her retirement in 1991, she traveled extensively, and enjoyed many years wintering in Sarasota, Florida.
In 2001 she converted her beloved home in the Berkshires into a charming Bed & Breakfast. For 15 years the Hollyhock House welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy the peace of her well-tended garden and delicious homemade meals.
In addition to gardening, she loved jigsaw puzzles and collecting antiques. Much to the delight of her friends and family she was an excellent baker and a fierce competitor in games of cribbage and scrabble. She was also a communicant of St. Mark’s Church.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her older siblings, Franklin Scace, Ruth Carpenter, William Scace, Robert Scace, Mildred Manzolini, Warren Scace, and Mary Ketchum and her lifelong friend Joyce Jones.
Mrs. Filkins is survived by her seven children, Deborah Filkins Phaff, Diane Kuhl, David Filkins (Betty), Peter Filkins (Jill), Andrew Filkins (Julie), Paul Filkins, Marcia Sweet (fiancé Thomas Beasley); eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her caring friend, Ann Claffie Mottley.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to her grandson, Ryan Creasman, who lived with her for past 10 years, for his support and devotion.
Her family will be gathering for a Celebration of Life at her home on a date of the family’s choosing.
Per her wishes there will be no services. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hancock Shaker Village in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.