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Bernadette Marie Martin
Bernadette Marie Martin
Obituary
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Bernadette Martin Obituary
Bernadette's passion for world travel began early. After a year of study abroad in France, she earned a Master's Degree in International Business. Her career began with marketing jobs in England and Taiwan and tour directing all over North America. Great happiness was found at the pool doing her beloved butterfly stroke, on a jogging path contemplating next moves, and attending a Toastmasters meeting, perfecting her public speaking. She enriched the lives of all who knew her by sharing pieces of her travels. English tea parties, Hawaiian Hukilau dances, traditional Chinese clothing, and popping Christmas crackers made for some great memories. She partnered with her mother and sisters for European vacations and so many of us took advantage of her heartfelt invitations to visit.
Bernadette's most important person, Natalie Anela McCafferty, was born to Tim and Bernadette in 1997. The family moved to France in 2002, wanting the bilingual, international experience for Natalie. Bernadette's career culminated in France as a published author, college professor, and self-employed Personal Branding Coach. This career blended her worldwide network of friends with her love of "connecting" people. She had a passion for helping all of us realize our full potential. Bernadette wove storytelling into her personal and professional life. She saw each person's experiences as a story to share with the world. Through stories, she taught Natalie about family and helped clients find their passion, and ultimately founded "Storytelling Salons". These evenings at Bernadette's home featured a cultural dinner along with a storyteller (singer, musician, author, dancer etc.) who would enthrall, educate and enlighten the guests. In this way, she enriched our lives.
Bernadette died from cancer on January 27, 2023. The world needs more people like Bernadette, who accepted everyone as they were. Whether she understood them or not, she believed they all had a beautiful story to tell. She will be missed by Natalie, her surviving siblings Theresa, Anton, and Kevin and friends and family the world over.
Au Revoir, chere Bernadette
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Donya Ekstrand
January 25, 2025
Thinking of you often Bernadette. And seeing you together with Mikaela here.
Elaine Crockett
December 13, 2023
I met Bernadette through her cousin, Toni. I often rented Bernadette's apartment in Paris, and we became friends as she would stay there when I came to town and she invited me to do things with her and her friends while I was there or later, with her daughter. We especially bonded the time when there were terrorist attacks in Paris -- at Charlie Hebdot offices in her neighborhood and again at the soccer stadium and the night club in her neighborhood. It was comforting to be with an American and to talk about these events from our point of view and in a common language.
Khaled El Miniawi
September 29, 2023
Thinking of Bernadette!
In a chat at the Stockholm reunion (summer 2018) Bernadette told me of a funny yet effective simple community development/ cleaning scheme that she tried out in Paris.
Basically, pedestrians who threw empty coffee cups or sandwich paper wraps.. etc on the walk way, she would pick it up and hand it back to them saying that they had dropped it by mistake. They would thank her (and/or apologise), take the trash and through it in a rubbish bin.
This summer, while on the beach at the North Coast of Egypt, a guy sitting near by disposed of his finished cigarette filters on the sand and left it there. So, remembering Bernadette´s scheme, I picked up the filters and threw them in a bin near by, and wished the guy a good day. The man apologised (he was very embarrassed with others watching) and started disposing properly his cigarette filters.
I smiled inwardly with gratitude to Bernadette..
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Bob Caragher
April 27, 2023
I am so saddened to read today of Bernadette´s passing in January. She and I were fellow Thunderbird alumni. After hearing Bernadette speak about her personal branding work at an online alumni association event, I signed up to work with her one-on-one. She was a tremendous help to me, retooling my resume and LinkedIn profile to enable my late-in-life career change. It would not have happened without her! We only ever worked together by email and phone. I greatly regret that we never met up in person, which I had hoped to do by attending one of her evening salons in Paris. Bernadette was so unfailingly positive and full of life. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.
Colleen Shaughnessy-Larsson
March 2, 2023
Colleen Shaughnessy-Larsson
March 2, 2023
Colleen Shaughnessy-Larsson
March 2, 2023
Colleen Shaughnessy-Larsson
March 2, 2023
Bernadette Martin was my neighbor and fellow Toastmasters member. Her storytelling ranged from being the Fairy Godmother at a Division Conference when she helped us learn to tell our Toastmasters stories. For several years we frequented her storytelling evenings and dined with the world of stories. It was as if she reinforced her energy connecting people in and out of Toastmasters with her Storytelling evenings from 2014 to 2022. We first met around 2013 when I was an evaluator to her test speech in a Toastmasters contest. That was my first exposure to her love of storytelling. Her body may be gone, but her smile is all over the place!
Colleen Shaughnessy-Larsson
Jody Swift
February 22, 2023
For Bernadette- Legacy.com. February 22, 2023
Paris- Autumn- 2002
It was 8AM, a cold, gray morning, dark outside when I opened the door of the teacher´s room, really a glorified closet, and there was Bernadette- on crutches, balancing her briefcase and trying to open the door. This was American Business School of Paris over 20 years ago. Oh, you´re from California? Van Nuys! I had lived down the street in Sherman Oaks. She was runner, a serious jogger who had stress fractures, I was doing yoga and swimming and we both were university teachers.
We hit it off.
It was dinners at her creaky, ramshackle Bohemian in apartment in the 15th . Nathalie was a cute, little girl with curls. There were talks, walks and some fabulous parties on the Isle St Louis and around Paris. She helped me with my resume and was my guinea pig for practicing my new passion of Thai massage. We helped each other and I consider her one of my closest friends. She hooked me up with a great teaching job at ESELCA where she taught marketing, and she supported me in all my endeavors, listened to my joys and sorrows, came to my gigs, and I sent clients, and we helped each other.
She loved sports and had to change her focus because of those fractures. We hit several pools- and she showed up with the sports store: fins, fins for the hands, kick boards, knee huggers. I am a longtime swimmer, Ms. B swimming could go on and on for hours. I think that's why we both loved turquoise. On my first visit to her new place Nogent sur Marne, she swept me away to meet Brigitte the Lady of the Magic Pools- boy, those pools were really something, and Bernadette was growing fins. The water was her fun place.
And picnics. Lots of picnics everywhere, anytime is good for a picnic, even that last one last last summer, 2022. A small group, in a park near her house, It was so merry. Nathalie organized a treasure hunt, lots of games, great healthy and some junk food which I love! Not sure there were Cheetos, Bernadette´s fave. I met some wonderful new people.
We also both played piano and shared a deep love of classical ballet music. She played for my birthday over a year ago and passed around a book for my guests to share their wishes. The cancer diagnosis had come in, yet she remained unfailing positive. Only once did I see her complain and she was in really bad shape.
But then, she picked herself up, and had Randy move her piano to the Clinique. She called me excited the next day. "Should get an iPad to read the music?" Happiness, plans, projects. The piano was in the common room and she urged me on. I played an impromptu concert at the Clinique, mostly some up standards and Hit the Road Jack- and one of the nurses sang it hot in that modern R n B style, people were clapping, she was good- Bernadette was thrilled.
I think her passing, for me, and everyone was and is a hard one to take, just ripped me to the soul, and only now can I articulate my feelings.
I loved Bernadette and will always love her- what a wonderful friend.
Carla
February 20, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lara
February 12, 2023
Hi Natalie, It took me a long time to write. I´m overwhelmed with grief and I am so sorry for your loss. The last time I had brief contact with her, she asked me fun things to do in Amsterdam for you, as you were going on a trip to the Netherlands. I realised later I gave only cat-related addresses as the Cat Cabinet Museum and the Cat boat. But seeing Tiger aka Tigrou laying behind Bernadette doing yoga at the chateau, realised me I was not so wrong. Your mum loved doing gardening at the chateau. I remember that you realised one day that gardening is physical hard work. And all the Thanksgiving dinners that she organised were also a great succes. She arrived always with suitcases full of costumes, ready to make a joyful evening for everyone. I will remember her as a fun and happy and loving person. RIP Bernadette.
David
February 12, 2023
Bernadette and I shared a love of stories, laughter, and public speaking - a good base for friendship. But we also shared the same last name and as we discovered - March 7th was our Birthday. We seemed to be destined to celebrate that together and we did with champagne, silly hats, stories and laughter in 2015. I met Bernadette at Busy Professionals Toastmasters club in Paris over 10 years ago and discovered we also shared a love of the Canadian Rockies - where I had grown up and Bernadette had worked as a tour bus guide. The list of colorful moments we shared would be too long to begin, but Bernadette did coax me with her warm smile to be a storyteller at her home and later Santa Claus for other fun storytelling evenings. By asking me to step into these roles Bernadette made my story better - she connected me to something bigger than myself - a community of friends, artists, joyful and enthusiastic people who showed up regularly for her events from all over the world. Thank you Bernadette - you made my story and Paris a better place and you will stay in my heart forever.
Aurelia
February 9, 2023
Thank you Bernadette for that wonderful soul you´ve shared with us, by passing in our lived. I will remember you as brilliant, generous, kind and joyful. I will miss the moments you´ve created connecting people with each others, i will cherish the beautiful memories I have of the stories we´ve shared.
I will miss your smile and I´m sure that where you are you still connect souls together and that you probably share your life´s journey.
Theresa Martin McCafferty
February 9, 2023
How do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
Love,
Your Little Sister
Theresa Martin McCafferty
February 9, 2023
Theresa Martin McCafferty
February 9, 2023
Theresa Martin McCafferty
February 9, 2023
Theresa Martin McCafferty
February 9, 2023
Theresa Martin McCafferty
February 9, 2023
Theresa Martin McCafferty
February 9, 2023
Trevor Shine
February 9, 2023
I first met Bernadette 40 years ago at Thunderbird. Messages below accurately and more eloquently than I could, describe her fun, warm, caring and inquisitive nature. One of several common threads in these is Bernadette's ability to connect people. During the Zoom transmission of her service, I saw a name on the screen which was familiar but I couldn't think of why. Afterwards, a web search revealed she used to work at a company in Dallas I too once worked for 35 years ago. But I had left either before or just after she started. I reached out to her and it turns out we may have met when I attended a meeting there some years after I left. She has been friends with Bernadette since high school. What a small world. And she pointed out, even though Bernadette is gone, she is still connecting people!!
I will miss Bernadette but am so pleased our paths crossed.
Marie Holm
February 9, 2023
Settling into the reality that Bernadette has passed on from this life is taking time. Indeed I won't be surprised if I nearly call or write her, as her bright smile, sense of care for others and fighting spirit as so present in my mind. While I met her technically through work, she is above all a friend, a true friend. Through the years she has given such astute guidance and support to so many of us. Perennially optimistic and keen, Bernadette shined, from her practise of yoga and running, to her passion for recognising and encouraging others, boosting everyone toward their aims. Even after her passing, she's somehow still with us, connecting us together and inspiring us with robust energy to feel good about ourselves and make our dreams come true.
Naturally, I must also the deep love and care that Bernadette expressed time after time for her dear daughter Nathalie. She held her well in her heart and mentioned her often, and I know that her motherly benevolent, accepting and enduring love will continue to reach her from the beyond.
Bernadette, I talked of faith, of spirituality, and I think glimpses of that strengthened your perspectives further...what I do know is that you knew that I cared about you, loved you, my friend, and envisioned better days following your recovery. Even when during visits to you in various hospitals and all you endured I kept that glimmer of home alive. So I cry for having lost you from this life, but as the bonds of love are eternal, in that way, nothing is lost, simply a transformation. Rest in peace, and thrive in joy, with the angels and the divine.
Maria
February 8, 2023
Oh how you are missed, my wonderful friend! After 50 years of friendship, there are so many memories filling my heart and soul. Beginning in high school, later sharing moments of life and friendship whether in LA, Las Vegas or Paris. Our visit to Paris holds endearing memories, taking us to your favorite Sunday marche', the many cafes and bistros, your favorite salon for dancing...many phone calls and video calls; moments of laughter and tears. Bernadette, you always brought your infectious laughter (that is so Martin), your incredible smile, the curiosity of wanting to know the details of our lives by creative, ingenious ways and always thinking about connecting people without ever wanting or expecting recognition. One of the special times that is playing over and over in my mind now is your interest for my son Michael. How you observed him navigating thru Paris, admiring his desire to connect with Parisians, even through his lack of the french language. You seemed to be looking at the world thru a magnifying glass, details, observations, always creating stories and always open to meeting new people and having unexpected experiences. Our amazing "sisterhood" with our group is hard to duplicate. I am so honored to have been your friend. Natalie, I hope you know the enormous impact you have made in my life and how much I see your mom in you. Carry all the good gifts of her life with you always, in your cute pink purse, that you can take out and feel your moms love and presence at any time. My love and friendship always for you, Theresa and the whole family.
Meredith
February 7, 2023
Oh that smile. That beautiful smile. Always there. I've known very few people who seem to beam from within. Bernadette was such a soul. She will be missed in the Paris community ... for that light, for her storytelling expertise, and for her never-ending curiosity for life. Love forever. Meredith
Marcella P Simon
February 6, 2023
It is difficult to imagine such a life force such as Bernadette not being in the world. She was one of the most beautiful, adventurous, and accepting people I have ever known.
We met at Thunderbird and she was one of those popular girls who were popular because of their kindness and inclusivity. In other words, everyone wanted to be her friend because she was a good friend. We walked and swan together, shared our hopes and dreams. She was a true entrepreneur, brilliantly re-inventing herself to rise to the occasion. I remember she became an assistant in the computer lab. She was so patient helping us wrangle the new and scary machines.
After Thunderbird I followed her career in advertising and marveled at her move to Paris with her family. Bernadette, the creative and ambitious person that she was, reinvented herself again in storytelling and personal branding. As usual, she did it her own unique way and I admired her for it.
Unfortunately I could not attend her 50th bash but I am so grateful to have visited her in the hospital in September. Her smile was still infectious, as I remembered, and her voice softened with love as she talked about Natalie.
Bernadette inspired me to be brave and trust myself. I will forever be grateful. RIP my dear friend.
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Rob Sitbon
February 6, 2023
Bernadette Martin, my good friend has passed away. A beautiful Soul, that had the passion and talent of connecting people, seeing the Light inside every human being and introducing her/him to the world.
I called her the "Networking Queen", we have shared so many events, conferences, parties in the international Paris community or we just met for a tea and a chat.
Bernadette has created the magical Storytelling Evenings where someone coming from somewhere would tell an inspiring life story. We always learned something in those evenings shared and met beautiful people. Would it be an Irish evening ? A Senegalese one ? Would we climb up the mountains ? Watch a live musical show ? Discover a painter ? At Bernadettes´s nobody was left behind, every person had a place in those evenings, everyone had a moment to introduce themselves holding a glass of wine. At a time of division and online loneliness Bernadette was bringing people together.
Last time I saw Bernadette was in the hospital, she was in pain but smiling, she said "Hey I´ve got this for your daughter", she handed me an envelop "Open it !", I did and paper butterflies flew out of it ! She laughed. That was Bernadette, always smiling, positive and generous, even when she was in pain.
I had her on the phone some days later and she said with a weak voice how when she feels better, she wants to start again the Storytelling Evenings and this time like in the good old days, not online, but an in-person events. Bernadette was a fighter.
That makes you think, a moment we´re here, the next one we are not, everything is temporary...are we appreciative enough of what we have ? Of the people that surround us ? Do we tell them ? When was the last time we said "I love you" to someone ? "Thank you for being in my life" ? Are you absolutely sure that you are going to see that person again ?
We have so much to learn from Bernadette's actions and her vision of life.
Thank you Bernadette for the Joy and Light you have brought to our lives, Namaste.
Your niece, Megan
February 6, 2023
Your niece, Megan
February 6, 2023
Your niece, Megan
February 6, 2023
Your niece, Megan
February 6, 2023
Here's what I have for the legacy page.
Despite living far away, Bernadette was a constant presence in my life. Bernadette was the aunt who always had something fun (and a little bit crazy) up her sleeve.
She's done so many awesome things with us nieces and nephews throughout the years....choreographing luaus and Hukilau dances in grandma's living room. Hosting us at her houses and even on Tauk tours.
Playing with us (and Maggie the dog) in the American River. Bringing me to trick or treat with the neighborhood kids in Sacramento. Picking blackberries and making pies at the Seattle house. Staying at Quinault Lodge in the Washington rainforest. Letting me call her to practice my own Toastmasters speeches or newest song I was learning on the piano. Walking along the Seine and picnicking under the Eiffel Tower. Playing the part of "sous chef" and helping me bake my wedding cakes. Making sure to *always* leave a mint under my pillow when I stayed at her house. So many special memories made that I will cherish forever. Love you, Bernadette.
Morgane, Maelle and Gwladys
February 6, 2023
Morgane, Maelle and Gwladys
February 6, 2023
Morgane, Maelle and Gwladys
February 6, 2023
Morgane, Maelle and Gwladys
February 6, 2023
Good Bye Networking Queen, Words and Story Fairy.
Me and my daughters Maelle and Gwladys will remember the Castle Lady with princesses dresses, the friend with optimistic view on everything.
Keep into our hearts
Mithun Mridha
February 6, 2023
Thank you for all these years of friendship Bernadette, I'll remember all the beautiful discussions during the storytelling evenings at your place in Paris. Thanks for being an inspiration, your thoughts and kindness will stay with us.
Karyn Bauer
February 6, 2023
Deepest condolences for this painful loss, too young. I didn´t know Bernadette very well, but in the rare occasions that I met her I was moved by her joie de vivre and free spirit. Qualities that will live in brightly in our hearts and in Nathalie. As you build your future Nat, your mom will be with you and will be a constant source of inspiration. I hope the conversation remains strong, providing you power and endless love.
Theresa Martin McCafferty
February 6, 2023
How do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume? I love you my beautiful sister.
Dzintra Dzenis
February 5, 2023
My dear, sweet Bernadette! It seems the angels have decided to take you from us. Way too soon. But lucky angels. For amongst them, they will now have one of the kindest, most beautiful souls to be with. With heart like no other, killer legs (yes you earned them girl), gorgeous curls...and a smile that would light up any room. And how you could match-make and organize! From connecting class mates to instincts, and matching up partners for life. If it hadn't been for you, I would never have met Allen. Yes, believe it, we are together since the time we all met together (by coincidence) in Deauville back in 2002. Oh Bernadette, how I miss you, and I am so sad distance drifted our lives apart. However, your newsletters and storytelling emails always reached me, and they made me feel proud and smile. How you took care of Samantha, bringing her close to you when she felt so alone in Paris, I will remember and thank you forever. I remember our evenings we spent together, cooking, solving the problems of the world, drinking wine, and haha, having our girls perform song after song, as if we were judges of the next American Idol. Rest in peace my sweet friend, until somewhere over the rainbow, we again shall meet. I love you. Dzintra
Sally Anderson
February 5, 2023
Sally Anderson
February 5, 2023
Sally Anderson
February 5, 2023
Sally Anderson
February 5, 2023
Sally Anderson
February 5, 2023
It is almost too sad to bear that Bernadette is no longer among us, in this earthly realm, but I rejoice with the angels, knowing she's keeping good company with them. She was something of an angel, herself. Bernadette and I were in a tight-knit group of 10 girlfriends, formed in 9th grade at our Lady of Corvallis High School in Studio City, CA. Very close through all four years of high school, we've all stayed in touch, to varying degrees, up to the present time. Bernadette's adult life was amazing, indeed, but I'd like to honour her by singing her praises in some detail, by sharing memories I have of her from when I knew her best, in high school. I've uploaded a few pictures from our senior yearbook - look how beautiful she was then and how unchanging her beauty was up until her last day. She's number 14 on the baby picture page. She and I both loved French and just adored our favourite French teacher, Madame Van der Laan. Bernadette went on to master the language beautifully, I lagged as a mere dabbler. Bernadette and I were on the yearbook staff, together, our senior year, and what fun we had! Burning the midnight oil, trying to meet deadlines, staying up 'til sunrise for days on end, sleep-deprived, getting completely goofy and punch drunk and all of us cracking each other up continually. That was just an intensified version of the constant hilarity and making each other laugh, we all shared, during those precious years. She and I also enjoyed being on swim team together and yes, what a great butterflyer she was! She was multi-athletic, also being on the volleyball team and doing cheerleading. She and I both served together as piano players for our freshman class during Spring Sing and she continued to do this for all four years of high school. I was always amazed by Bernadette's far superior proficiency on piano. She used to blow the whole school away, I think it was every year, during the talent show contest. I remember one year, unless my memory fails, that she played Rimsky-Korsakov's, "The Flight of the Bumblebee", flawlessly and up to concert tempo... to a jaw-dropped, utterly dumbfounded audience. Wow! We all knew her to be an expert seamstress, not just creatively modifying patterns but often creating her own designs from the ground up. Just gorgeous creations, many with a Chinese flair. I remember one of her birthday parties, either junior or senior year, and how overjoyed she was, truly overjoyed, to receive her first Bernina sewing machine, as a gift. The fact that she was 9th of 10 children is striking, but almost as striking is that the Martins owned a huge lot of land in northeast San Fernando Valley, zoned for livestock back then... mostly subdivided, now. I don't remember if they had anything as large as cows or horses, but do remember petting a cute little piggy snout or two, whenever I visited! I know she'd been involved in 4-H but perhaps before I knew her, as I didn't hear much about that when we were in high school. But it's just one more thing packed into that dynamo of pure talent and a world-embracing desire to experience the full gamut known as Bernadette Martin. She was so multitalented that it almost defies description... but I'm trying! But her best talent was that she was so hard-working and diligent in cultivating all her other talents to such amazingly high levels, something many a talented person fails to do. And at least as important as all these gifts, if not more so, were her fantastic sense of humor, fun-loving personality and deeply kind and generous spirit. Never was a person more ready with a laugh, to lend help to someone in need, to uplift others with her brilliant ways of creating connections or to give and receive forgiveness for errors made. So fine a person is a rare thing in this world and I thank God that all of us were given the chance to know Bernadette in one phase of her life or another. Theresa, I'm so sorry you've lost such a deeply loved sister, far too early in life. I pray you find comfort in God's love, directly from above as well as flowing through others around you. Natalie, I send you my deepest condolences but I take heart knowing that your mother has given you a legacy of love and kindness that will serve you well your whole life long. Dear Bernadette, you are loved and cherished by so many people whose lives you touched with your beauty of spirit. You have left us far too soon... and you will be missed, forever.
Teresa Hudock
February 5, 2023
Bernadette inspired me with her positive, classy, can-do, supportive, and gracious spirit... And she will continue to inspire me. I will always smile & chuckle at memories of being in her very cool room in her wonderful family home while she went through her closet -- loaning me dresses she made so I´d have something to wear for fancy high school events. With both her hands and her mind, she honed and shared her skills. She always added her special touch of fun and flare, wanting the occasion to stand out -enjoying every moment to the fullest.
Stephanie (Coniglio) Reid
February 5, 2023
Thank you, Bernadette, for the gift of your friendship. I will keep it in my heart forever.
Sarah Martin
February 5, 2023
If I were to think of a word that came to mind when I hear my late aunt's name, Bernadette, it would be the word, 'community.' A quick google search defined the word as, "a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals."
There wasn't a family gathering, whether big or small, where she didn't jump up to the front of the room commanding her idea. I would often reluctantly join in, but would quickly find myself buckled over in laughter and delighted with the activity at hand. Just ask Aunt Theresa about her riveting performance while playing charades at Aunt Mary Ellen's cabin. Such good memories!
Aunt Bernadette, there are many words I can say but they all always end up saying, you will be missed.
All My Love,
Sarah Martin
Michèle Brother´s
February 5, 2023
A beautiful smile
Turquoise- her favorite color
Generosity, courage, sharing
That´s Bernadette
Sending love and caring
Michèle B
Margaret (Peggy) Robertson
February 5, 2023
Bernadette, my beautiful, creative, inspirational friend. I will miss you with all my heart. I will continue to look for you in the beauty of the sky and earth; as your bright light of this world shifts to a universal glow. I always so admired your entrepreneurial endeavors at Thunderbird. Remember your little business, identifying that market niche, which in reality was the whole school, booking and delivering plane tickets for fellow students. What a great, lucrative idea!!!!! Of, course it was just the beginning of your greatness, putting thought into action, helping others to fulfill their potential and to celebrate their talents. I will miss your visits and calls. I will miss hearing about your next adventure and creative work. When we celebrate you tomorrow, I will wear the scarf you made me from my China silk. Until then, I give my deepest condolences to your daughter, family and friends. You are the indelible best part of us and will remain forever in our memories. Peggy Zibella
Margaret (Peggy) Zibella
February 5, 2023
Bernadette, my beautiful, creative, inspirational friend. I will miss you with all my heart. I will continue to look for you in the beauty of the sky and earth; as your bright light of this world shifts to a universal glow. I always so admired your entrepreneurial endeavors at Thunderbird. Remember your little business, identifying that market niche, which in reality was the whole school, booking and delivering plane tickets for fellow students. What a great, lucrative idea!!!!! Of, course it was just the beginning of your greatness, putting thought into action, helping others to fulfill their potential and to celebrate their talents. I will miss your visits and calls. I will miss hearing about your next adventure and creative work. When we celebrate you tomorrow, I will wear the scarf you made me from my China silk. Until then, I give my deepest condolences to your daughter, family and friends. You are the indelible best part of us and will remain forever in our memories. Peggy Zibella
Cheryl Martin
February 5, 2023
I will always remember the first time I met Bernadette; she probably was around the age of six, her little face was so angelic, she was very quiet and polite.
As time went by, Bernadette grew into this beautiful young lady with a great smile, laugh and curious nature. Bernadette had this playful energy along with her inquisitive hunger for exploring this world and the diverse population that inhabit it. I recall from our visits how she would try to make the celebration even better or interesting, by injecting ideas for us all to participate in bringing us all together whether we liked it or not.
Bernadette was a very strong woman, not afraid to adventure on her own. I admired her spirit to learn by opening that door and soaking it all in. That being said, after your illness that tied you down, not being able to open those doors, you now have the freedom to open up your wings and soar above us all.
Love,
Cheryl Martin
David Korst
February 5, 2023
We met while French students at CSUN and CSUAEP, if not sooner as we might have crossed paths as Busch Gardens employees a few years earlier. While I have a few Bernadette stories, this is my favorite:
Over the years, I passed through Paris many times. If fortune was with me, Bernadette would let me crash at her place, a tiny apartment, little more than a garret, on the Rue Robert-Fleury.
She would rise early and go for a daily five-mile run, taking in much of her neighborhood and points beyond. The one time I accompanied her was with Pierre's vélo. The weather was glorious. But even on the bike it was difficult to keep up, as Bernadette could dodge and weave through parked cars, over curbs, and the wrong way on roads marked 'sens unique.' We rounded the Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower, and made our way upriver to the Passerelle Debilly to cross over to the Right Bank.
She stopped in the middle of this footbridge and called me back. In a Julie Andrews-like Sound of Music moment she raised her arms, did a pirouette, and sang out for the world to hear: "I live here!"
RIP Bernadette. Je t'embrasse.
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Dear Bernadette, I am writing to you, since although we are deprived of your physical presence, you continue to live in our memory.
You have enlightened those around you with your energy, and despite your sufferings you have never stopped smiling.
I enjoyed your lectures to my IESE classmates, our activities, trying to learn golf, visiting your friend´s castle, going to the cinema, sharing glasses of wine at the Champs Elysees, eating macarons at La Durée and enjoying continuously your regular belly laughter.
Thank you, dear Bernadette, rest in peace
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Gloria Perrier
February 5, 2023
Dear Bernadette, I am writing to you, since although we are deprived of your physical presence, you continue to live in our memory.
You have enlightened those around you with your energy, and despite your sufferings you have never stopped smiling.
I enjoyed your lectures to my IESE classmates, our activities, trying to learn golf, visiting your friend´s castle, going to the cinema, sharing glasses of wine at the Champs Elysees, eating macarons at La Durée and enjoying continuously your regular belly laughter.
Thank you, dear Bernadette, rest in peace
Gloria Perrier
Maureen McGrath
February 5, 2023
Maureen McGrath
February 5, 2023
ANNE CLEMENT
February 5, 2023
Bernadette...you were such an incredible lady full of amazing cheer and with a heart of authenticity and generosity. You were always up for trying new things and made friends every where you went. I did not have that much time with you on planet earth but you were always happy to laugh, share ideas, bring the world the best...and connect people together.
You will be missed and I thank you for everything you have done and brought the world.
Jordis Rosenquest
February 5, 2023
B - what a life ! I was always impressed (from high sschool onwards) by your ability to explore, discover, sample all aspects of your love(and life) while remaining true to yourself. As many have said, your super power is connection...people to each other, cultures to discovery, personal growth within ourselves, people, places and things. With a joy and appreciation for all there is to encounter. Your spirit is unsinkable! I greatly admire your inventive, creative " why not " approach. And will miss your physical presence greatly, but cherish your impact on me everyday. God speed my "sestre"
Mirna Jope
February 5, 2023
Mirna Jope
February 5, 2023
Mirna Jope
February 5, 2023
Mirna Jope
February 5, 2023
Mirna Jope
February 5, 2023
Mirna Jope
February 5, 2023
Mirna Jope
February 5, 2023
Bernadette,
What a pleasure and treasure to have been your friend for so many years. From LA to Sacramento to Paris (and your many stops in between), we kept in touch and our friendship grew. You will be greatly missed by us all but never forgotten. Your legacy of love remains.
We love you- Mirna
Maureen McGrath
February 5, 2023
Maureen McGrath
February 5, 2023
Maureen McGrath
February 5, 2023
Bernadette was 9 of 10! Here is a photo from her baby shower for Natalie. The love for my cousin abounds here. Keep it coming for Natalie and all her family and friends.
Jill Danger
February 5, 2023
Bernadette helped people become better versions of themselves. She was always looking for ways for people to know their "brand" and spread it to others. She was veryuch appreciated and loved by the community here and I will miss her. She was a mentor to my daughter Julie many years ago and.was the teacher Julie looked up to to get her on the road to where she is now: a successful advertising and communications manager. Bernadette's smile lit up the room and her Storytelling everything evenings were delightful in every way with fascinating people from all walks of life and good food, great company.
Achim
February 5, 2023
Happy days at Thunderbird- what a wonderful woman- great personality, adventurous, always optimistic & brave. Too early to go. All my condolences for Natalie & Bernadette` s family- Achim
Achim
February 5, 2023
Achim
February 5, 2023
Achim
February 5, 2023
Achim
February 5, 2023
Achim
February 5, 2023
Achim
February 5, 2023
Virginia Suppan
February 4, 2023
Virginia Suppan
February 4, 2023
Virginia Suppan
February 4, 2023
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