In retirement she worked for Elder Services of Berkshire County for four years and later was an ombudsman for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for three years, where she was recognized for and awarded for her “outstanding service” to the community.
She was a member of the Massachusetts Audubon Society and certified their longtime home on Williams Street, Pittsfield, with the National Wildlife Association as a wildlife habitat.
Bernard was a past president of the Berkshire Coin Club, longtime member of the Lions Club in both Lenox and Pittsfield, and a member of the Berkshire Museum Aquarium Club.
Following her 1996 retirement from Suburban Propane in Bennington, Vermont, she proceeded to “just do it,” expanding her ongoing love of domestic and international travel.
Primarily a homemaker and mother, she had a lifelong love of all things nature and, later in life, earned her associate degree in environmental science from Berkshire Community College.
After high school, Mary worked for St. Luke’s Hospital as a medical assistant, lastly working as a custodian for Berkshire Farms School until her retirement in 2011.
She will be missed for her sense of humor, her strength, her smile, her waves and the kisses that she shared with all who knew her as well as those who didn’t.
Students have the opportunity to develop skills in stage combat, performance aesthetics, dance, technical theater, costuming, stage management, marketing and publicity during the Fall Festival experience.
