Bernadette Constantine

Born in Fairhaven on Nov. 5, 1924, she lived most of her life in New Bedford, MA. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Auzelie (Leblanc) Dagesse.

Bernadette was a retired insurance agent and former owner/operator of George Bernique Insurance Agency for 43 years. In 1987, she was associated with Gramlich Insurance Agency until retirement in 1991.

She received the Marian Medal in Dec. 1984 from St. Theresa’s Church in New Bedford.

Known endearingly as Bernie by her nieces and nephews, she enjoyed gardening and needlework. She loved to travel domestically and internationally, including many trips to France, and especially spoke about her adventures with her beloved husband, George, including their journey to the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, as well as shorter trips with nieces and nephews across the US and Canada.

Even when her loved ones forgot their own birthdays, they were dearly remembered by Bernadette through the loving ritual of her greeting card gifts. She loved orange marmalade, was a great listener, and mastered the game of Wheel of Fortune. Her generosity was unrivaled. She was easily graceful outside of her comfort zone, and these qualities had everything to do with her deep life of faith.

Survivors include her brothers, Paul Dagesse and Jean Dagesse; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Claire Bettencourt, Louis Dagesse, Germaine Houle, Normand Dagesse and Arthur Dagesse.

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 10:00 am in St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults or to St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish.

Arrangements are in the care of Rock Funeral Home. For online tributes, please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com