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Donna Bernaerts-Kearns
Donna Bernaerts-Kearns
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Donna Bernaerts-Kearns Obituary
Even after she became a successful computer programmer, Donna Bernaerts Kearns never forgot what it was like to grow up poor. So each Christmas, she would get her colleagues at Accenture to participate in the Postal Service's Secret Santa drive for needy children. "She would go out and buy coats, boots and puzzles," said her older sister, Rosemarie D'Amato. "She would spend her lunch hours doing these things."
Ms. Kearns, 44, who was known as Donna Bernaerts at work, had a soft heart, but she also could have a sharp tongue. "She didn't let anybody take advantage of her," her sister said. "She was honest about how she felt."
Often, what she felt was the weight of a stressful life, Ms. D'Amato said. Ms. Kearns frequently worked late into the night from her home in Hoboken, N.J. She would get to her office at 1 World Trade Center by 8 a.m. so she could spend more time with her son, Joseph, who is mildly autistic. Now, her husband, Edward, is learning how to take care of Joseph, now 11, on his own. "It's all on one shoulder now," Ms. D'Amato said.
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Anthony Massaro
September 11, 2024
You are remembered always.
Anthony Massaro
September 11, 2021
Still remembering you. I promise to never forget.
Kelsey Lopez
September 10, 2021
With all the kindness in my heart I am so sorry for what happened 20 years ago. I send prayers and lots of love your way.
Cindy Roe
September 1, 2021
Remembering Donna on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
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Traci Pryhuber
September 11, 2015
After 9-11 I donated some money to help the families. In return I received a silver bracelet with Donna's name on it. I have worn that bracelet every year on the Anniversary of Donna's death and shared a picture of it on social media in hopes of being able to tell the family that she has not been forgotten. Today someone shared this link with me. I am so very sorry to read of her husband's passing but hope their family can take a small amount of comfort from a total stranger in knowing that she will forever be remembered.
September 11, 2015
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151420460428289&set=a.468116628288.237463.684638288&type=1
Barbara Boam
February 14, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #177) on 2/13/13 as a dedication to your life.
Margaret L
February 29, 2012
I am so saddened to hear about Ed's passing. I will pray for his son "Joe" and family. RIP Ed....you are now once again with Donna...Margaret. Jersey City
January 17, 2012
To The Family,
9/11 is one of the saddest days in U.S. history. I would like to extend my deepest of condolences to you in the loss of Ms. Donna Bernaerts-Kearns. I never had the privilege of meeting the deceased, however, a person who would donate time and material resources to needy children is a caring person. The Almighty is a caring God and He knows how death will always sting our hearts as long as it exists. This is why His Word states that the day is coming when "death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry, nor pain be anymore, because the former things have passed away." When your loved ones is brought back to life she will have the precious opportunity of living forever simply because death and wickedness will not exist. At that time your tears of pain will be turned into tears of joy.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
John Brainard
October 7, 2011
Eddie be at peace you are missed.
Jerry McGrellis
October 7, 2011
RIP my dear friend Eddie. You were always a nice person. I will always remember playing sports with you and the things you shared with me. May God welcome you into heaven with his loving arms.
Mike Branigan
October 7, 2011
RIP to my friend Eddie you are also a true casualty of 9/11. You are now at peace with your wife in heaven. You we're never the same without her.
Mike
Cathy Bremner
October 7, 2011
So sorry to hear of the passing of Eddie.
May they both R.I.P my continue prays for their son and families.
cathy kidney-bremner
September 11, 2011
Just finish watching the 10th anniversary tribute. Never got to know Donna or son Joe but my husband, Richie and I were good friends of Eddie back in the late 70's (went he was probably his sons age now). We both have fond memories of Eddie and wish to could contact him. If anyone knows his whereabouts please contact us at [email protected] or 908-276-7661. I will continue to pray for Eddie,Joe,Donna and her family. With sadness and respect, Cathy Kidney-Bremner
Claude Bernaerts
September 11, 2011
I didn't know Donna, but on this 9/11 her death, the death of a Bernaerts marks me a lot.
Eleanore
September 4, 2011
I received Donna's name from my church. We were given names to pray for victims of 9-11 in the weeks leading up to the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. I will be praying for Donna and her family this week.
Tony Massaro
September 11, 2010
To Dana and Family,
It's 2010 and I cannot believe I just realized Donna was there that day. I had seen a quick glimpse of her picture today during the memorial service and realized it was Donna.
Donna and I dated when we were young and lost touch over the years. I remember her loving you so much Dana when you were probably 3 maybe 4 years old. You were the light of her life!
I wish you and your family a long overdue condolence for your loss. Any pictures that I might still have I will look for if you like. Donna is definitely missed! May God Bless you and your family.
Doug Abraham
March 30, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Dana
August 10, 2007
Donna was my aunt and a dear friend. We were a grand threesome-her, me and my mother-crazy Maniloonatics (devoted fans of Barry Manilow). We loved to chat, sit by my parents' fireplace, shop and sing Christmas songs way too early! She loved to go to yard sales with Mom, a hobby that I had not yet acquired. She loved her husband, her son and me (and of course my Mom). Her support never faultered or waned even when she disagreed with my choices.
But on top of being a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend and Barry fan, Donna Bernaerts was a generous person. Every Christmas she would go to the post office for Operation Santa and pick out a letter from a child that would make her cry. The child was often selfless asking for presents for siblings and their parent or parents. She did her best to fulfill that child's wishes (with a few co-workers) and then to add something special for that child. She grew up poor herself and knew what it meant to be without. She never forgot her more humble beginning and never forgot to give when possible.
As I sit here writing this nearly 6 years after this murderous event, I still marvel at the outpouring of love from people around the world who never knew her. I am grateful, and I'm sure she would be honored to be remembered at all.
Thank you all so much for your kindnesses to our family.
Claude Bernaerts
July 25, 2007
We were perhaps family.
R.I.P.
Ursula Mahoney
December 22, 2006
Donna,
Its been 5 years now. I still can't believe your gone. Merry Christmas!
Kristine
October 13, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vane. We will always remember.
P Tabbernor
August 23, 2006
In memory....
Freddy De Schutter
December 11, 2004
It does heart pain what has happened on 11 September 2001.
Our sympathy is prayed and with you.
Deborah Bernaerts
December 2, 2003
Aunt Donna,
In the past couple of days all I have been doing is writing these tributes to you, but it still has not made the pain lessen. I wonder if losing you in such a way will ever stop hurting. The only thing that helps is to believe that you are out there somewhere still watching over us all. To this day I still cannot watch the images or talk about it with anyone without crying and becoming very enraged. I hope that you are resting peacefully now. I LOVE AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH.
Your Niece,
Deborah Bernaerts
August 7, 2002
I miss you
Jacqueline Johnson
July 15, 2002
With heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Donna Bernaerts. I will never forget how helpful and kind Donna was to me when we worked together on the GC project. May God comfort you and meet every need.
June 15, 2002
You will be sadly missed. May God be with your family.
Via Support Services c/o Carlson Wagonlit Travel for Accenture.
James Marsh
March 31, 2002
I worked with Donna for fifteen years. And, largely because of Donna, they were some of the best years of my life. She was a wonderful and caring woman. I will forever treasure the times we had together.
I miss her.
Jim
Ursula Mahoney
March 25, 2002
I worked at Guy Carpenter w/Donna. She really touched my heart. I think of her often. Donna always gave me great advice and did very nice things for me. My deepest sympathy goes out to Ed and Joe.
Maggie Clancy
February 27, 2002
I've known Donna for as long as my sister has been married to her brother (21 Years). We were at many family functions together and for a period of time we even worked together. What struck me most about Donna and what I most admired was what a wonderful mother she was. She had a very special way with her son (who's mildly autistic) -- always patient, always kind and most of all, always loving. She was a strong, resourceful, and extraordinarily generous woman. When I think of her, and I often do, I am reminded of all that she has given to this world. May she enjoy true peace, love and happiness in heaven.
Nancy Boyett
February 5, 2002
As the mother of a child with autism, and also being actively involved within the autism community through ASA, Donna's story touched me deeply. Only other parents know that connectedness we seem to have with our kids who have autism. Donna obviously had that devotion. My thoughts and prayres are with Ed and his son.
January 22, 2002
Not a day goes by that Donna is not thought of. It was a very sad Christmas without her.
Friend & co-worker
January 8, 2002
Donna's family is my thoughts and prayers. She was a very giving and caring person.
A fellow Accenture employee..
Teresa Jahn
January 8, 2002
We thank Donna for helping the children. Such acts of kindness reflect the warmth of her heart. May Donna's warm heart, life and love live on in you. May the sorrow you are feeling be lightened by precious memories of times together. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
IRENE
December 7, 2001
GOD BLESS DONNA BERNAERTS-KEARNS AND
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HER
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA
AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Denise Hinson
December 1, 2001
Your wife/mother sounds like a very giving, loving person. I am very sorry for your loss
November 15, 2001
I never knew you Donna, but we were both in the middle of our lives. Unfortunately, yours ended prematurely. I will pray that it wasn't in vain and America has really become a better place to live since that tragic day. I will pray for your family.
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