Bernadette D. Benard

She was born in Manchester on August 16, 1928 to Adolphe and Sophie (Desilets) Benard. She was a lifelong resident of Manchester.

She was the Valedictorian of both St. George High School in 1945 and Rivier College in 1949. She did advanced studies in French and English as a second language at the University of Wisconsin, Iona College, and St. Michael's College She also earned a master's degree in education from the University of New Hampshire.

Bernadette was an enthusiastic teacher for over 40 years, including 36 years in the Manchester Public Schools. She also tutored students in piano and English as a second language.

She was very active in Community Concerts activities, the NH Historical Association, the Franco American Historical Association and the Association Canado-Americaine where she was a former president of Lodge 4. She was also president of the New England Federation of Franco American Women for two years and a member of the Manchester Choral Society for 12 years.

Bernadette was active in local parishes, including the former St. George Parish, St. Marie Parish and currently at St. Joseph Cathedral. She was an excellent lector at all these parishes.

She was dedicated to her family and followed closely the lives of her many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her generosity to charitable religious, educational and cultural causes, and for her enthusiasm for life and learning.

She was the youngest of eight siblings who all predeceased her, including Emile Benard, Lorette Benard, Alfred Benard, Andre Benard, Sr. Therese Benard, RJM, Bertrand Benard and Marguerite Martineau.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at St. Joseph Cathedral, corner of Pine and Lowell streets, Manchester. Committal prayers followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 474 Goffstown Rd., Manchester.