Louise Saskia Sierau, of Great Barrington, Mass., formerly of South Egremont, passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of Saturday, October 24, 2015. She was born in Hamburg, Germany on November 27, 1928 to Wilhelm Mann – a renowned portrait painter — and Erna Kuechenmeister.
She grew up in wartime Germany. She finished school the same year the war ended and then apprenticed with the Guild Master of the Handweaver’s Guild in Hamburg Germany. She worked as a journeyman in Sweden and Switzerland. She married Juergen Sierau in Geneva, Switzerland in March, 1953. They immigrated to America through Ellis Island, sailing in on the Italia in 1955 with their 1-year-old son Johann.
The first years were spent in Sugarloaf and Monroe, N.Y., and her two daughters were born. In 1960 they moved to South Egremont, Mass. In 1965 Louise and Juergen purchased the Old Mill in which they operated their weaving and jewelry workshops. In 1971 they founded Berkshire Village Inc.
She is survived by her three children: Johann and wife Mary Denise of Oklahoma, Christine and husband Tom of North Egremont, Mass., and Maria of West Springfield, Mass.; and six grandchildren, Michelle, Nicholas, Paul, Anna, Susanne and Dominique. She was predeceased by her husband Juergen and her half-brother Alfred.
Her body has been laid out at The Christian Community, 10 Green River Lane, Hillsdale, N.Y., in the vigil room in the Red Building. Visiting hours are open. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, October 27 at 10 a.m. at The Christian Community with a reception following. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Christian Community, 10 Green River Lane Hillsdale, N.Y. 12529 or Blue Rider Stables Inc., P.O Box 924, Great Barrington MA 01230. BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington Mass., 01230 is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
