Jadwiga Helena Bernhardt

Born on September 12, 1928, in Poland, Jaga was the youngest of five children. Her family moved to Warsaw in 1940 under Nazi occupation and survived the destruction of the city in 1944. After the war, they resettled in Sopot, Poland, where Jaga met and married John Bernhardt, a Dane, in 1949. Together they had two children — a son, Thomas, born in Poland, and a daughter, Karen, born in America after the family immigrated in 1955.

Jaga was a Polish beauty known for her wit, intelligence, and style, matched by a strong and principled character. She brought a determined, competitive spirit to her new life in America, excelling in retail sales, tennis, bridge, and Scrabble. Jaga was also an avid walker, covering five miles a day well into her 90s, and continued an impressive walking habit until age 96. And no party was complete without a dance.

Jaga is survived by her two children, Tom (Pam) and Karen (Jim); four grandsons; one great-grandson; and another great-grandson on the way.

She was preceded in death by her firstborn son, John, in 1950.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria, VA, on Wednesday October 29 at 10:15.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Basilica of St. Mary where she worshipped or to the Basilica School to honor her love for education.

- Basilica of Saint Mary - https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/VA713/20077

- Mary Lead Us Campaign (to support the Basilica School of Saint Mary) –https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/VA713/41467