Bernadette Ann Learnard, known as “Bern,” died on Sunday, October 29, 2023, as a result of complications of Lupus disease. She was 38 years old. Born on November 30, 1984, in Pittsfield, she was the daughter of Kathleen (Fletcher) and Robert Fedell.
Bern was a graduate of Mount Everett Regional High School in the class of 2003 and went on to receive her nursing degree from Berkshire Community College in the class of 2006. She worked as a nurse at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield from 2006 to 2016, at which time she began working as a nurse for Berkshire School in Sheffield.
Bern married her husband Kevin Learnard on May 12, 2012, at the Trinity Methodist Church in Ashley Falls. She was a devoted mother who loved reading and spent countless hours reading to her daughter Caitlyn. She had an amazing heart and cared for all those around her. She loved to cook and bake. She also enjoyed painting, pottery, traveling, singing, and hiking. But her favorite pastimes were spent with her family and friends.
Along with her parents, Kathleen Fedell (Fletcher) and Robert Fedell, Bernadette is survived by her husband of 11 years, Kevin Learnard, and their daughter Caitlyn. She also leaves her sister Bethany Martin and husband Rob; her half-brother Robert Fedell and wife Tess; her maternal grandmother Barbara Fletcher; her uncle Keith and wife Cathy Fletcher; her aunt Debbie and husband Sam Bracey; Uncle George Milukas; her nephews, Matthew and Aidan Martin; and her niece Josie Martin. In addition, she leaves behind her father-in-law Tim Voorhis, her mother-in-law Lisa Voorhis, and her brother-in-law Jason Learnard. She also leaves 10 maternal cousins who all loved her very much.
She was predeceased by her maternal grandfather Neil G. Fletcher, her aunt Sharon Milukas; and her great-aunt Rhetta Fletcher.
The family of Bernadette A. Learnard will receive friends on Friday, November 3, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. The funeral will be held on Saturday, November 4, at 10 a.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1158 Route 7A, Ashley Falls, MA 01222, conducted by Rev. Ken Phesay. Donations in memory of Bern may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America Inc. through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
