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Laurie Bernard Obituary

Laurie Suzanne Bernard or "Madalin" was born on December 22, 1961 in El Paso, Texas and died on December 16, 2015 in Algiers, Louisiana. Survivors include her mother, Marilyn R. Bernard of Algiers; her father, John R. Bernard and wife, Harriett; brothers, Mike Bernard and wife, Sonia, and Larry Bernard; very special nephew and niece, Ian and Mia, all of Covington, Louisiana; aunt, Mary C. Bernard of Monroe, Louisiana; uncle, George and wife, Carolyn, of Jefferson, Louisiana; close friend, Scott England and daughter, Jania England of Algiers; and many, many dear friends, especially her fellow dog rescue friends. "Maddie," as she was affectionately known by her friends, graduated early from Ben Franklin High School and then attended LSU, Boston University, and San Francisco State. While in San Francisco, she had a short, but successful career as a film editor for Warner Brothers that included the films, "The Secret Garden," "Godfather III," and "Bugsy." To know Maddie was to love her and her quirkiness and varied interests in ever so many areas. She loved poetry, art, literature, languages, music of all kinds, and was always taking a class of some sort to learn something new! But her ultimate passion and compassion were devoted to animals, especially dogs. She devoted countless time and unfailing energy to rescuing over 400 dogs through her non-profit organization USED DOGS. She remained in the city after Katrina tirelessly and unselfishly determined to rescue every stranded dog in the city. What a wonderful legacy she leaves. She touched the lives of innumerable "two-legged" and "four-legged" friends, and the world is a sadder, emptier place with her sudden, tragic death, all the more tragic because Maddie will never know the depth of her loss to those left behind. Funeral services are Monday, December 28 at 11:00 A.M. at Mothe Funeral Home, 1300 Vallette Street in Algiers. Visitation is from 9:30 until the time of the service at 11:00 with interment immediately following at Lakelawn Park Cemetery in Metairie. Family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to an animal rescue group of one's choice. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Dec. 22 to Dec. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurie Bernard

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Laura Arrowood

December 19, 2024

Madelin. I cannot believe it´s been so many years. I think about you often and hope you are at peace and happy with your family of dogs.

Mike Bernard

December 30, 2020

Suzy is the name I used. I’m her older brother. She was very competitive and tried to win at all cost. We fought every Saturday morning over which cartoons we were going to watch. The only one we would not argue over was the Wacky Racers. She had to cheer for Penelope Pit Stop every Saturday. One time on the way to Oklahoma to visit our great grandparents we were singing like crazy and wouldn’t stop. Our grandpa kicked us out of the car because we wouldn’t stop! Suzy liked to fight. I broke dozens of fights with other girls. There was never a dull moment with my sister. I love her and mis her terribly. She was the only sister I had. It’s been five years now.

Laura Arrowood

December 19, 2019

Cannot believe its been 4 years. I still have her name in my contact info. And I think about her often. I hope her used dogs all got a great home. Continue to Rest In Peace Madelin

Allen Wilterdink

January 19, 2016

Marilyn, Madalin and the rest of Bernard Family and Friends

I waited until now to post my condolences, not because I wasn't sad. I've been devastated. I just wanted to wait until I went to Used Dogs and saw the dogs.

My life was changed the day in 2004 I adopted Nelson Rotten Feller now Pogo. He was the best man at my wedding, and the reason I didn't stay out all night in my 20's, WHO knows how many poor decisions you saved me from ;)
I then adopted a BW Cooper puppy post Katrina, and despite the challenges. (Basically I've learned to leave dog training to the pros) She is the focal point of our family. My kids have never fallen over without a big dog to slide in and catch the fall. Your imprint will be a lasting one.
I came down to New Orleans last week and picked up Olivia, my last Used Dog. While I'm super happy to have her, I'm extremely sad that It will be the last Used Dog in my life.
You had a bigger impact then you could have ever imagined. Thank you for being you.
Love
Allen and Misty and Pogo, and Dee Dee, Gabe and Diana and of course Olivia
You made our family whole.
May you rest in peace.

Judy Gelpi Jackson

January 7, 2016

Dear Marilyn,
We are so sorry to hear about Susie's untimely death. My mom and I are wish to express our heartfelt condolences. I was really glad when we reconnected on facebook a few years ago. I have really fond memories of our times together driving across the river to dance lessons. Also just hanging out in the neighborhood. I remember when I tried to get my hair permed and my hair ended up "fried". Susie really tried to make me feel better about the whole deal. Also remember her and I debating about lots of things as kids, religion in particular :) It's funny what we can recall from young ages.
Needless to say, I was shocked to hear about her death. Much love to you and all of your family. (daughter to Mary Jane)

Becky

January 5, 2016

Because of Madalin we met our beloved Izzy and have had her with us for 8 1/2 years. I have talked to her several times since then, and am so sorry to hear of her passing.

Carla Hanks

January 2, 2016

To My Dearest Susie Q, When I look back on my childhood my fondest memories are with you and your family. Our days were filled with swimming at the pool and trips to the beach , where we told people we were twins and no one ever doubted us. We both had are first kiss by two other boys that were brothers ( or at least thats what they told us ). We would tell each other what we were going to be when we grew up and one thing is for sure, you knew exactly what you were put on this earth for , there would never ever be a homeless dog. As the saying goes animals are the best judge of character, and I never saw one that didn't love you at first sight. They knew how beautiful you were and that they were safe. You undoubtedly accomplished more than I could ever imagined . Not only did you touch the lives of animals but you successfully succeeded in touching the lives of so many people. I want you to know even though we were cousins and not sisters, I am so thankful and blessed that God allowed me in your life. You accomplished so many meaningful acts of kindness in such a short time. So to you my Dear Cousin I Thank GOD that he blessed me so by allowing you in my life. That it was nothing short of privilege to have known you . I will deeply miss you but not only in your life you touched so many and by your death you are still inspiring people to try to accomplish to touch the hearts of all creatures. I love you my Cousin, Carla

January 1, 2016

You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family and friends during this time of sorrow Psalms 119: 76

Juliette Hare O'Connor

December 31, 2015

I met Madalin nearly 10 years ago when one of her volunteers, who was a good friend of mine, asked me to adopt a blind little Shih-Tzu named Buddy. He had been in the Katrina floodwaters for 3 weeks and Madalin didn't want to keep him with all the big dogs she had because he was small and she worried about him.

We adopted Buddy in early 2006 and had him for 4 years when he died from lymphoma.

Madalin would come visit Buddy at my home. We all decided his name should be Buddylicious, and Madilyn tried to have a book written about Buddy because he was so unique.

I donated several pieces of my artwork for her fundraisers which she loved because the pieces had dogs in them.

I will miss you Madalin, even though I didn't see you often - I did think of you quite a bit. You were one terrific lady and the sun will not shine as bright for those of us left here without you.
My deepest condolences to the entire Bernard family.
Juliette Hare O'Connor

Dennis Procopio

December 31, 2015

Hi Madalin. I love your smile in this photo, and I feel your presence as much now as I ever have. May the power of your selfless acts raise you into the Light of God's Grace. Amen.

Robert Barratt

December 30, 2015

God knows I will miss you, Madalin. My world won't be the same without you. See you on the other side.

Ann Freudenthal Kana

December 30, 2015

So sorry to hear about Susie. Marilyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

S G

December 29, 2015

I'm not sure of the name of the fellow who helped Madalin & shared the used dog work but he'll need some special care and attention. Please take care of him as a member of the family. Thank you.

Nancy Robinso.

December 28, 2015

Marilyn
Wesley and I are so sorry for
Your loss. You will be in our thoughts
Nancy Robinson

Robbye St Pierre

December 28, 2015

My heart aches for you, Marilyn, and the rest of Maddie's family for your tragic and untimely loss.

Janis Pacileo

December 28, 2015

Maddie, I'll see you on the shiny Staircase right behind the Moon. God only knows why you left this Earth to soon.You are truly missed.

Hazel Champagne

December 27, 2015

Hello, Madalin. What you did was so special. I love animals insanely, but could never hope to rise to your level of commitment and perseverance. I loved that there were no throw-away dogs for you. I loved that you kept -- and invested time and energy in -- dogs that probably would never have found a home otherwise. I came to love all those dogs. Thanks to you, they had a better life than they could have otherwise expected. What you did was just so great. You will be missed.

December 27, 2015

Dear Bernard Family,

Madalin was a wonderful person. She came to my restaurant as a "Special Guest" during one of our dog parties and educated the patrons about Used Dogs. We met many times thereafter, and I was honored to help her raise money for her organization. I will always think of Madalin as a dear friend. She was truly one of a kind and the world is a poorer place without her. May she rest easy for all of eternity. I hope to meet her again someday.

love to the family,
Janis Vazquez

Wanda Reeves

December 27, 2015

You were a special earth angel to many dogs....Now, you greet animals at the rainbow bridge.

Janice Spurlock

December 27, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I cherish my memories of Susie.

Laura

December 27, 2015

Rest in peace Madalin, with all your four legged friends who have passed on surrounding you with love

Leslee Bivalacqua

December 26, 2015

Maddie and I both volunteered together at the humane society of Louisiana. She was a good kind soul. She will be missed. So sorry for her loss. The animals will miss her too.

December 26, 2015

To the family:
May you find peace from the God of all comfort and gain strength to cope from that peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

ml

December 26, 2015

Peace maddie.

Diane

December 25, 2015

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

December 24, 2015

I am pretty bad off knowing we are without her doing what made her happy. It had to be a tiring thing making room for all the animalia. I told her I would plant a tree for her yard- I told her I would help with fundrazing by having an art zale! I wuz too late- Apology, Madelin. Coconut water in your honor, Ma'am. & Will make a donation to Jeff aPCA. If I can raize more funding, I will.- in Metry

Wanda

December 24, 2015

Our sympathies to all who loved her. May it comfort you to know that The God of all comfort can help you through this difficult time. He appreciates the love she had for animals. He says at Proverbs 12:10 "The righteous one takes care of his domestic animals". May those words help to ease the pain of your grief.

Rick Rod

December 24, 2015

This is so sad. Madalin helped me out with my pit when she went through cancer surgery the week before last. She offered words of encouragement and advice and offered more when my Peanut came home. I just knew her on FB, that I remember, but we ran in the same circles back in the early 80's and know loys of the same people so who knows. I'm so sorry but I can imagine her caring being remembered in many peoples memories. She would be glad to know that Peanut came through surgery with flying colors and is back to her wonderful old self. sad news

Lynn Laughlin

December 23, 2015

I was never fortunate enough to have met her in person, we only knew each other through facebook, as I'm sure many people did. None the less, I feel a profound sense of loss, not only for a human life lost, but for a human life so richly filled with helping others, especially animals in need. My deepest and most sincere sympathies go out to her family and her close friends at this time.

Holly Holtzman Ryerson

December 23, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Bernard family. Laurie and I became friends in Mrs. Gilmore's 6th grade class at Alice Harte Elementary school, continuing on together through Ben Franklin High School. We lost touch when I moved my senior year to Hawaii. Thirty years later we found each other again on facebook, surprised to see we were both intimately involved in dog rescue. I was able to give her a hand on-line, which was always a pleasure, but more than that, I valued the times that we spoke. She was a person that cared deeply, not just for animals, but for her family and friends and those whose lives brushed up against hers. Our conversations were not just about dogs, but so much more, including the Lord and His role in our lives. Now, during this time of grief, I pray that the Lord lift up those who love her and give them the peace that passes all understanding.

Jill Anding

December 23, 2015

I am saddened by the loss of such a caring and compassion soul. A high school classmate of mine, I've known Laurie since we were both in Sunday school together at Woodland Presbyterian Church. I will miss running into here around town. What wonderful work she did. My condolences to the family for this incredible loss.

Kathy Bassett Hardy

December 22, 2015

I am saddened by the news of "Susie's" passing. Sincere condolences to all the family. Sending my love and prayers...

Shelly Patton

December 22, 2015

I just spent 20 minutes tracking down the owner of a dog that had been hit by a car. A Good Samaritan saw the Lab get hit, stopped and called the number on the dog's rabies tag. The call came to me. The tag number was a dead-end, tracing back to the owner of a Yorkie, so I called the shelter and Humane Law was dispatched to pickup the dog and get it medical attention. After making the call I kept thinking how great it would be to get the animal home instead of having to bring it to the shelter, so I searched the database for what I thought the tag number could be. After viewing 11 animals' records and making three calls to potential owners, I was finally able to locate a women who was driving around frantically looking for her missing Labrador Retriever.

How bitter sweet this moment is as I think of Madalin. She was great at celebrating these simple victories with me. I would tell her my moment and she would say something really cool and smile. Her smile would light up my day whether I saw it in person or felt it over the phone. I will miss her and her laugh. The world is a darker place with her not in it.

Rest, Madalin. And be at peace.

Donald Pesquie

December 22, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Bernard family. I grew up in Algiers and knew "Susie" when she was a teenager. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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1300 Vallette Street, Algiers, LA 70114

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