Elizabeth "Betty" J. Bernhard

Funeral services for Elizabeth ‘Betty” J. Bernhard GNSHA, age 82 will be held at 10:00am on Thursday (Jan 29, 2015) at Notre Dame Church with Rev. F. James Shurtleff officiating. Burial will follow services at Notre Dame Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2015) from 1:00-4:00pm & 6:00-8:00pm at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home. Mrs. Bernhard passed away at her home on Sunday (Jan 25, 2015) surrounded by her loving family.

Surviving are her three daughters Pattie (Leonard) Rascoe of N. Fort Myers, FL, “Margie” (John) Compo of Hammond and Laurie (David) Demers of Ogdensburg; a sister Lucille (William) Grome of Syracuse; a brother Philip (Betsy) Bernhard of Harrisville; grandchildren Jessica (Damien) Hayes of Heuvelton, Alex Demers (Alexander Tavarez) of PA & Kyle Demers of Ogdensburg; great-granddaughters Shay Brenno & June Demers along with several nieces, nephews & cousins.

Betty was born on December 1, 1932 in Ogdensburg, a daughter of the late Philip & Blanche (Lincoln) Bernhard. She graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1951 and entered the US Airforce. While enlisted, she attended Arizona State College where she completed a 2 ½ year program in just 6 months receiving her business degree. She later transferred to Eglin AFB as a Senior Stenographer, and received her honorable discharge in1954. She then became employed at Hyde Heating & Plumbing Co. as a secretary from 1955-1958 and in 1960, she began her employment with the Department of Justice US Border Patrol as an administrative Assistant for the next 22 years. In 1982, she transferred to the 1000 Island location for an additional six years, and later transferred back to Ogdensburg until her retirement in 1989. She remained active in the community after her retirement, as a teacher’s aide for the Ogdensburg City School District, a receptionist for Goodwill Answering Service for three years, Catholic Charities for seven years and Notre Dame Church Pastoral Associate for 14 years.

Betty was a Board of Director Member of CHMC; Past Auxiliary Member of CHMC as a representative of the GNSH; a member of third order Associate & Advisory Board member of the GNSH at Yardley PA; served as both director of the board and co-director and Advisory Board Member for Lay Ministry Program in the Diocese of Ogdensburg; Commissioned Lay Minister and Consecrated Secular in the Diocese of Ogdensburg; Past President of the Alter & Rosary Society & Catholic School Board; St. Vincent DePaul volunteer; Chaplin and Member of the K of C Ladies Auxiliary; Notre Dame School Board Member and Past President; Selective Service Draft Board 15 years & Chairman for 8 years; Ogdensburg Catholic School Board; Phys-Ed teacher at Notre Dame School during lunch hours for 9 years; and Past Member of St. Joseph’s Nursing Home Board of Directors.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, watching sports of all kind, her church ministry, and spending time with her family and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Notre Dame Heritage Fund, 125 Ford Avenue, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676. Condolences can also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.