Henrietta Bernstein

Henrietta “Teddy” Bernstein, of Springfield MA, died on February 14, 2017, she was born April 22, 1918 in Providence RI. and was the daughter of Julius and Molly Kritz. Teddy graduated high school in Providence, RI. where she married her childhood sweetheart, Paul Bernstein. While Paul served during World War II, Teddy kept the home fires burning and worked as a Secretary. In 1958, Teddy and her family moved to Springfield MA. where they purchased Blodgett’s Music Store. Blodgett’s, a Springfield institution since 1898, became Teddy’s lifelong passion even though she “didn’t know a sharp from a flat.” Her personal relationships with her customers were her pride and joy. She and Paul operated the music store for 24 years until Paul’s death in 1982. At that time, Teddy made the decision to carry on running the business, with the help of her daughter Evelyn. She did so for another 27 years, finally retiring at the young age of 91. When asked how she managed to stay in business so long when so many others around her had closed their doors, she said “be hungry, don’t give up, and be prepared to cry a lot in the early years.” Teddy’s relationship with the music community did not start and stop with the selling of sheet music or the repairing of musical instruments. When local music teachers found themselves out of a job in the wake of Proposition 2 1/2, Teddy offered the free use of the studios in the basement of her store, so they could continue private teaching. She was a major supporter of local music, particularly the Springfield Symphony, with whom she maintained a close connection for the remainder of her life. She was also a supporter of the American Guild of Organists and the Tuesday Morning Music Club. The musical project dearest to her heart was the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s “Petting Zoo,” which she started. The petting zoo gives children in the community an opportunity to hold, play, or even bang a musical instrument for the very first time. Teddy donated all of the instruments and kept them in good repair. Teddy leaves behind her daughter Evelyn Holland Swiatlowski, of Wilbraham, MA., Son in law Richard M. Swiatlowski of Wilbraham, MA., granddaughter Jennifer Holland of Anchorage, AK; and grandson Eric Holland of Cape Coral FL. Also surviving are beloved great-grandaughters Justina and Adriana Holland of Fairfield, CT. Funeral services will be private.