Ellen Erdwein , age 63, died Oct. 10 after living with cancer for the past two years. She was the wife of Stephen Berall and mother to Jeffrey and David. Mrs. Erdwein was born in New York to the late Rosita and Hyman Erdwein and grew up with her brother Neil and sister Marsha. She attended Beth Israel Hospital School of Nursing in New York City and entered the nursing profession. She later obtained a bachelor of science degree from Bridgewater State College. Her life’s work as a registered nurse was devoted to helping adults with special needs in group homes throughout southeastern Massachusetts.

Mrs. Erdwein recently received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the State of Massachusetts for her exemplary work and “commitment to enhancing the health, safety, dignity and independence of individuals with developmental disabilities.” She received the Volunteer of the Year award in Duxbury. She also served on the Interfaith Council as representative of Shirat Hayam and chaired the “No Place for Hate” committee.

Mrs. Erdwein leaves her husband, Stephen; her sons, Jeffrey and David; her brother Neil and his wife Denise; her sister Marsha and her husband Michael; and many nieces and nephews.

A service in celebration of Mrs. Erdwein’s life was held on Oct.13 at their home in Duxbury. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made in her honor to The Wellness Community – MA South Shore, 273 Hanover St., Hanover, MA 02339 or to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445-7226, Attn: Contribution Services. For online condolences go to shepherdfuneralhome.com.