Noreen L. Mole

1951 - 2021

Noreen Lee (Putnam) Mole, of Pittsfield, MA died on Friday July 9, 2021 at her home.

Noreen was born in Pittsfield, MA on July 6, 1951, a daughter of William A. Putnam and Charlotte C. (Studley) Putnam. She was a graduate of Pittsfield High School and received an Associate's Degree in Environmental Science from Berkshire Community College. Noreen also attended the University of Massachusetts.

In her younger years Noreen worked at Bradlees. After college she was employed by Berkshire Life, from where she eventually retired as a Plan Administrator.

Noreen is survived by her loving husband Stephen Vincent Mole, to whom she was united in marriage on April 1, 1977. She also leaves two sons, Jesse William Mole of Lanesboro, MA and Kyle Joseph Mole, of Somerville, MA and two grandchildren, Riley and Jesse Jr. Noreen also is survived by her sisters in law- Patricia (Joseph) Tyer of Virginia Beach, VA; Theresa (Robert) Walsh of Essex Junction, VT and Helen Lee Mole of Manhattan, NY and her aunt, Millie Putnam and close cousins, Stephen and Renee Putnam and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers in law- Joseph Mole and Michael Mole.

When Noreen and Steve first got married they had yearly camping trips to the Adirondacks and Martha's Vineyard. Later, with Jesse and Kyle and friends to a different camp every year and many summers at Misquamicut Beach and a trip to Disney World.

Noreen loved and supported Jesse and Kyle in all of their endeavors and sports, going to football-baseball-soccer and track meets that her sons had. Noreen was proud of her two sons and she was a champion for her two boys.

Noreen was a naturalist and loved Nature. She was a member of the Nature Conservancy - Allen Bird Club. Noreen was a member of the Hoffman Bird Club, serving as Secretary from 1998-2001; President from 2001-2003; Vice President from 2005-2009; and on the Executive Committee from 2013-2015. In 2014, she received an award for leading Canoe Meadows bird walks every Friday morning, spring and fall; rain or shine. She also led bird walks in Springside Park. Noreen was always happy pointing out or listening to bird songs with all new birders. On local birding trips it was always about the food and stopping at Ozzies for a big breakfast.

Noreen traveled extensively on many birding trips, traveling to Costa Rica four times, and visiting 22 states and Canada. Noreen once had a trip planned for Mexico - came down with pneumonia and still made the trip - there was not stopping that girl. Some life birds - world-1062, US-638, and Mass 349 - should be noted. Her best birding buddy was Father Thomas Begley, who passed a few years ago.

Noreen was an excellent cook and was always happy hosting every Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter dinners with Steve. They always had a full house of friends and relatives from both sides of her family.

Noreen loved cats and all animals. She would take in any cat, even a neighbor's if it wasn't well cared for - the latest being little Lula Lucie Lou. Noreen and Steve made a sanctuary at their home for the forty-two years they lived there. All kinds of birds and animals visited the yard including bears and a blue heron by the brook. You could see more birds in Noreen's yard than in the rest of the Berkshire County. Noreen could not walk by a dog on the trail without hugging and even trying to kiss it. Noreen had a green thumb and has kept a grapefruit tree and other plants alive for over forty years.

Noreen was the love of Steve's life and helped and cared for him in so many ways. All we can say is she was a loving and caring person who will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. If you knew Noreen, you loved to be around her. Her family would like to thank Dawn, Debbie and Audrey, and everyone that cared for her.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service and time of remembrance for Noreen Mole will be held on Thursday July 15, 2021 beginning at 11:00 AM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA with Rev. Joan Carron officiating. Burial will follow in Pittsfield Cemetery. An hour of visitation at the funeral home will precede the services Thursday morning from 10-11 AM. Memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires or to Elder Services Meals on Wheels in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com