Bernadette "Bernie" Dutton

Bernadette Gonçálves Dutton, 68, of Milford, CT, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle against cancer. Bernadette, known to many as "Bernie", was born on October 4, 1957, in Bridgeport, CT, to the late John Joseph Gonçálves Teixeira and Angelina Ribeiro Teixeira. She was the beloved wife of over 37 years to David Alan Dutton, who was the love of her life.

Bernie dedicated her professional life to serving others with integrity and heart. She worked for many years as a customer service representative for the Royal Bank of Scotland, now known as Citizens Bank, where her exceptional commitment earned her numerous Crest Awards, an honor voted on by executives in recognition of outstanding service. She later served as CEO of Palmero Health for 15+ years, leading with devotion, strength, and unwavering loyalty. Her staff respected her deeply, not only as a leader but as a friend, forming bonds that lasted well beyond the workplace.

A woman of profound faith, Bernie was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary Church in Milford and generously gave her time as a Sunday school teacher at both St. Mary Church in Milford and Our Lady of Fatima Church in Bridgeport. As a certified Catalyst through the Hartford Diocese, her faith and dedication to ministry were admired by many. She was also a proud and loving godmother to Stephanie, Isabella, Alexander, Emma, and Tess, guiding them with wisdom and prayerful encouragement.

Above all, Bernie was a beloved wife, mother, and "Nana" to her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She embodied the very definition of a matriarch, strong-willed, determined, loyal, and endlessly loving. She found joy in dancing with her family, traveling the country with her husband in their RV from the coast of Maine to the shores of Florida, coaching Pop Warner Pee Wee football, reading romance novels, and preparing unforgettable meals in her kitchen. Bernie built a family she was immensely proud to see grow, and her legacy of faith, strength, and love will live on in each of them.

In addition to her beloved husband, David, Bernie is survived by their daughter Melissa Ann Dutton, grandson A.J. Bolivar (Akacia), grandson Dominic Kristof, and great grandsons Lucian and Bellamy Bolivar. Two brothers: John Teixeira Jr. (Lydia) and Dennis Teixeira (Roberta). Three brother-in-laws: Timothy Dutton (Lisa), Mark Dutton (Rhonda), and Michael Osborne (Michelle). Three sister-in-laws: Pamela Dutton (Steve), Marianne Dutton, and Amy Dutton, as well as many additional beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Church, 70 Gulf St., Milford CT 06460 (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment to be held privately by the family.