Dorothy Bernhard

Starting as a clerk, she rose to become Managing Director of the then prominent handbag manufacturing company B.A. Mayer, Inc. , and the highest-paid woman in the handbag Industry. Following Mr. Mayer's passing, Billie built her own successful corporate gift buying company, with Estee Lauder, Inc. as a principal client, all while raising her daughter and helping to raise her two granddaughters.

In 2010, at the age of 96, Billie suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, and, against all odds, fought her way back to have another ten years, to the day, with her loved ones.

Billie passed away in her sleep on Mothers' Day. She is survived by daughter Alice (Christopher deRham), granddaughters Marlo (John Carter) and Amy (John Ruskin), great-grandsons Jack Carter and Bodhi and Cooper Ruskin, and extended family. Her adoring family and friends will celebrate her life when we can hug again.