Mary Bernadette St. James (nee Muldoon)

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Bernadette (Bernie) at Juravinski Hospital, surrounded by loving family.

She is rejoining her husband Edward (1967), parents Robert and Genevieve, brother Paul, sister Dolores, and stepchildren Ed, David and Ann. Bernadette will live on in the hearts of many including her daughters Judy, Mary (Morgan), Helen, Cathy (Doug), Lise, stepdaughter Donna, her grandchildren Luke, Michele (Adam), Paula, Adam, Renee (Trevor), Anjali, Radhika, as well as her siblings Bob, John, Bill, Mike and Tom and many nieces, nephews, and step grandchildren. Bernadette had immense love and pride for her grandchildren. She was happiest in their company and she was their greatest cheerleader.

Bernadette had a compassionate, servant-filled heart and gave of her time and talents to the vulnerable and suffering. Over the years, she shared her time as part of Our Lady of Lourdes and Sacred Heart parishes, The Catholic Womens League of Canada, Eucharistic Ministry, Parents Without Partners, and the Widow and Widowers Group. Her bright smile, kind words, and empathy touched many, and she developed deep and lasting friendships through her service.

Bernadette was the second oldest of 8 children and was raised in Hamilton and Simcoe, Ontario. In her early twenties she moved to Kingston, Ontario where she worked in the Human Resources Department for Zellers. It was during that time she met her husband Ed. They married in 1959 and had 5 daughters. Widowed at the age of 33 with 5 little girls to raise she returned to Hamilton and was blessed with the incredible and unconditional support of family, friends and neighbours. She returned to school and obtained her Medical Secretary diploma. She went on to enjoy a fulfilling career with the McMaster Health Team at the Henderson Hospital and years later as executive secretary at the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia where she retired in 1999 at the age of 65.

Retirement provided Bernadette with the opportunities to enjoy her family, friends, travel, volunteering and watching the Blue Jays. She was able to combine travel and visiting with her out of town grandchildren and made several trips to Alberta, British Columbia and Australia. Other travels took her to Ireland, Scotland, Cuba, Bermuda and several cruises. She also enjoyed attending spiritual retreats with friends.

Bernadette’ strong faith in the Catholic Church provided her with strength throughout her life, shaped her as a person and carried her through her trials. She was always the loudest singer in church and has likely already joined the Heavenly choir.

Thank you to those who enriched her life and were by her side during the ups and downs of life. She will lovingly be remembered for her big bright smile and gentle nature.

A special thank you to Extendicare Hamilton for the loving kindness and care that was provided to our mom over the past 6 years. Also, thank you to the Emergency Department staff at Juravinski Hospital for your professional compassionate care during her final hours.

Visitation will be held at Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Avenue East Hamilton on Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 10:30-noon, followed by a service in the chapel. Reception to follow with food and refreshments.

Online condolencs can be left at cresmountfennellchapel.com