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BORN
1934
DIED
2023
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BERNADETTE McNAMARA Obituary
May 2, 1934 - March 28, 2023
Sister Bernadette McNamara, SHSp died peacefully at her home, the Convent of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate, on March 28, 2023.
Born on May 2, 1934 on Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland, Sister Bernadette grew up in a loving and faith-filled family with her eleven siblings. Her love for her native Ireland and for her family fed her spirit until her last breath on Tuesday.
On January 6, 1950 at the age of fifteen, Sister Bernadette came to San Antonio following her dream of becoming a missionary. Last June, she joyously celebrated her 70th Jubilee of Religious Profession.
In her early years of religious life, she was known as "Sister Mary Jude" and she spent those years in service of students and families whose situations often seemed hopeless. As a teacher, principal and a fundraiser, she stretched out her years in compassionate ministry in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi for 63 years. The religious congregation that she loved so deeply was blessed to have had her generous and gracious spirit with them for so long.
Sister Bernadette is mourned by her sisters and brothers, her 58 nieces and nephews, her over 70 grandnieces/nephews, her many friends and by the members of her religious community, some of whom she had known since she was twelve years old.
The Rosary followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 3rd at 3:00 PM at the Motherhouse Chapel, 300 Yucca, San Antonio, Texas. Interment will follow in the Community Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Sr. Bernadette's memory to the ministries of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for BERNADETTE McNAMARA
Sponsored by Angelus Funeral Home - San Antonio.
6 Entries
Elizabeth Benefield
March 25, 2025
Ber and I met in 2000 when I became principal of Resurrection Catholic Elementary School. She was the first to come across town to welcome me. She and I built a friendship over the next several years as we worked together to ensure the best possible experiences for our students. We talked nearly everyday. We laughed and cried. We planned and executed those plans. We weathered Hurricane Katrina and with the destruction of her school we planned how to help her students make the transition to Resurrection. She bravely went on to her new assignment but never failed to check on their progress and offer encouragement and sometimes correction. She was my mentor my confidant, my friend. I think of her often. Her passing left a void difficult to fill. Rest in peace my dear Ber.
Elizabeth Benefield
December 18, 2024
Missing Ber everyday. We had so many wonderful times together. Whether we were at Notre Dame in South Bend or visiting in San Antonio or riding to Biloxi for principals meetings or just talking on the phone. She was a guiding light to me
Maureen v Mason
April 4, 2023
What a wonderful person to loose, I'm so sad. Sr. B was my inspiration to go into teaching, she was my first boss at my first big girl job! Sr. B trusted and believed in my fresh out of college.
Thank you for all of the fun times at work and at the Irish bars! Slainte!
Maureen Voll Mason
Jackie Posey
April 4, 2023
Sister Bernadette -Holy Family Parish Natchez, MS
Elizabeth Benefield
March 31, 2023
Sister Bernadette and I were principals working together in Pascagoula, MS. We shared many years serving students and families at St. Peter the Apostle and Resurrection Catholic School. She was an inspiration to me and so many others. Our prayers and condolences to her family and to the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate. May she rest in peace
Antoinette Connaughton
March 30, 2023
Where do I begin to share my grateful and heartfelt memories of Sister Bernadette . She was the best friend, mentor and role model that any person could have. She was a genuine missionary and spread love and happiness every where she went. We have all lost a wonderful friend but we have gained our own" Achill Saint in Heaven." Antoinette C.
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