Bernie was born in Wichita, Kansas and was one of eight children. Her mother died when she was eight years old after giving birth to her youngest sister. Bernie, along with her siblings, were placed in an orphanage as her father was unable to care for them. She lived in Colorado until her late teens, at which time she moved to California to live with her maternal aunt in San Jose. Bernie got a job as a Nurse’s Aide, and at approximately 19 years of age she received a scholarship to attend O’Connor Nursing School, where she graduated three years later as a Registered Nurse. She worked at O’Connor Hospital until she took a break to raise her four children. In 1966 she accepted a position as Head Nurse for the Maternity Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital. While working, she attended night school at the University of Phoenix and earned her Bachelors’ degree. She retired in 1995.
Bernie married the love of her life David (Danny) Clesi in 1956 at the age of 24. Tragically and unexpectedly, Danny died in 1973 when Bernie was 41 years old. She never dated after, nor did she remarry, as she always said she didn’t want to go to heaven with another man on her arm. Bernie raised her four young children on her own in both roles as father and mother.
Bernie is survived by her devoted children, Mary Clesi (Jose) of Santa Clara, David Clesi (Linda) of Sacramento, Anita Doyle (David) of Livermore, and Wesley Clesi (Andrea) of Roseville. She is also survived by grandchildren Daniel Clesi of Laguna Hills, Nicole Gutierrez (Eric) of Soledad, Ryan Clesi (Erika) of Roseville, Lauren Clesi (San Diego), Shayna Doyle (Davis), Joshua Clesi (Sacramento), and Brandon Doyle (Livermore); and her most recent pride and joy, her great-grandson, Mateo Gutierrez of Soledad. Also surviving Bernie is her brother, Marlyn Morrison of Salina, Kansas and her sister, Rita Holteback of Truckee, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Despite the many challenges and difficulties she endured as a child and an adult, Bernie was truly an angel and earned her wings in heaven. She always had a big smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. Even though she was a retired RN, she continued to look out and care for her aging siblings, as well as her church family and friends. Bernie was truly a Servant of God.
Family and friends are invited for Visitation on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at .Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose CA 95125. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Cabrini Church, 15333 Woodard Rd, San Jose CA 95124 with burial to follow at Los Gatos Memorial Park, 2255 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd, San Jose CA 95124.
For anyone interested, donations maybe made to St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church at https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/CA977/32174. Use the Notes box to indicate your One Time Gift is in honor of Bernadine M. Clesi.
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