Bernadette Ann Moncrief

On Friday morning, November 27, 2020, Bernadette Ann Moncrief died at her home in Castle Rock, Colorado. The youngest of nine children, Bernie was born on October 6, 1930 to Frank and Aimee Pazos in New Orleans, Louisiana. She married the love of her life, Claude Moncrief, on October 1, 1950. Together they raised two sons, Michael and Dennis, and their daughter, Meg.

Bernie was a small woman with a big heart and a strong will. She was devoted to her family and her faith. She was the living version of the golden rule. She lived her life placing others needs before her own. At home she was a chef in mother's clothing, and she was passionate about New Orleans cuisine. Her love of food and meals with family and friends became a legacy. Bernie loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. She brought up her three children imparting to them a passion for cooking and good food, a love of music, and most importantly, the joy of laughter.

In her midlife, Bernie returned to school; and in 1980 she received her LPN. She became a dedicated hospital nurse who was passionate in the care of her patients and the support she was able to provide to their families. After retiring from nursing, she continued to work in various capacities with her husband in his business endeavors and collaborated with contractors and designers to build their home of 30 years in Metairie, Louisiana.

Bernie’s life was not short of challenges, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and almost total blindness beginning in her early 60’s. Her deep religious faith gave her the strength to deal with the overwhelming medical challenges she faced. More than most, she knew that life is precious and brief. As a lifelong Catholic, Bernie prayed not for herself but for everyone else. She was always there to listen to anyone in need, and lightened the load for those who sought her counsel.

Bernie is preceded in death by Claude, her love of 62 years. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Michael and Stacie Moncrief, Dennis and Carolynn Moncrief, and Meg and Frank Manart. She is survived by her grandchildren: William Moncrief, Jane Moncrief and her partner Gregg Dionne, Mallory and Brian Beckstrom, and Rebecca Moncrief and her partner Jed Karschnik. This year, Bernie became a great grandmother to August Dionne and Asher Beckstrom.

A memorial limited to immediate family members is planned for next week at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Castle Rock, Colorado. Due to constraints of the COVID pandemic, her internment will be held in New Orleans later next year where she will be laid to rest with her husband Claude. A memorial celebration honoring her life will follow.

Bernie leaves this world better than she found it. She is loved, she made a difference, and she will be missed. In her last days, Bernie said this is not the end. She was right again; Bernie and her legacy will live on for generations to come.