Doris J. Bean

1942 - 2025

Ms. Doris J. Bean, 83, formerly of Pittsfield, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Born in Pittsfield, MA, on April 19, 1942, daughter of the late Raymond and Doris Mack Pierson, she was a 1960 graduate of Pittsfield High School. Doris later graduated from Berkshire Community College, and then from the former North Adams State College, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Human Services and became a licensed Social Worker.

For the majority of her career, beginning in 1987, Doris was employed as a Direct Care Worker for the State of Massachusetts for people with disabilities. It was from there that she retired after 25 years of dedicated service.

Doris enjoyed spending time with her family; simply going out to eat, shopping with family, playing bingo, or having family dinners was when she was at her happiest. She loved Christmas and would begin decorating before Thanksgiving, and didn't take those decorations down until well after the holidays. She was known to be a "feisty" and "spunky" little lady with a crazy sense of humor, and though at times inappropriate, she managed to get a good laugh out of everyone she met. She had strong faith and lived by "trusting in God." She would remind those who were struggling not to give up hope and to trust in God's plan. She loved going to church, and she raised her children to believe in God and practice the Catholic faith. Church brought her peace and comfort, and her children would see this within her during masses.

She was always active in the community. She was a member of the Berkshire Community Action Committee, the Berkshire Mental Health Advisory Committee, and the Irish-American Club. She was a substitute CCD teacher at St. Charles' Church and was a part of the Special Needs Advisory Group, where she was a strong advocate for children with special needs. She cared deeply for children, especially those with special needs and those less fortunate, and to help some of them, she became a foster parent.

Doris is survived by her children, Leonard E. Bean and Doris-Jean Hayes (Joseph Hayes), as well as her sister Gloria Rufo, her grandchildren Nikita Kirchner-Bean Mixon (Ross Mixon), Michael Reu (Courtney Bossana), and Mary, Seamus, and Christine Hayes, and a great-grandchild, Samuel Mixon.

Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her siblings William Pierson, Raymond Pierson, Howard Pierson, and Dawne Smith. She was recently predeceased by her daughter, Susan A. Reu. Susan passed away on October 1, 2024.

Funeral Notice:

Funeral services for Doris will be on Friday, September 5, 2025, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Church, celebrated by the Rev. Matthew Barone, Pastor. Burial will follow at Pittsfield Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201.

The family would like to thank Mount Carmel for caring for Doris. Doris spoke very fondly of Nurse Amy, and staff members Joy, Amanda, and Lori.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Doris's memory can be made to the Carmelite Sisters via the Carmelite Sisters Website in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.