(1935-2026)

Near the end of her first autobiography written in the late 1980s or the 1990s, Sister Mary Bernard Lynch wrote:

As I reflected on my life experiences, so many memories – joyful, painful, grace-filled, laughable – come to mind along with the realization of God’s goodness to me. For this I say, “Thank You.” And to all those who have been part of my journey – as family, Congregation, friend, Companion, mentor, foe, spiritual guide, others – I say with St. Paul: “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you.”

Sister Mary Bernard captured many of those memories in her very detailed autobiography. Her life’s story began on January 21, 1935, in Chicago, as the first child of four born to James and Marie (Anderer) Lynch. She was baptized Marie Malgherita.

"James was of Irish ancestry, Marie the ‘league of nations’: German, Bohemian and Danish,” she wrote.

Her siblings were Therese, born in 1937, James Bernard (“Bernie”), born in 1939, and Regina (“Jeannie”), who came into the family in 1940. The children grew up in a close-knit, loving environment, and the Lynches and their extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and more regularly got together to celebrate holidays and other special events.

James was an electrician who worked hard and provided well for the family, although Marie handled the money and “ran a tight ship to make ends meet,” Sister Mary Bernard wrote. “During the war years we often spent hours in lines at the grocery stores. Our little red wagon was our means of transportation and toting of groceries. Two-car families did not exist at this time.”

She admitted in her autobiography to being a strong-willed child; on at least one occasion, she packed to run away, although she changed her mind when she realized she might get hungry.

After a year at St. Justin Martyr School, Marie finished her grade-school education at Little Flower School after the family moved several blocks farther south into that parish. Her high school years were spent at Sacred Heart High School, Little Flower not having a high school at that time.

One Saturday in eighth grade, as she was returning home from Confession, “I was struck with the knowledge that someday I would be a Sister,” she wrote. She kept that revelation to herself for the time being.

Read more about Sister Mary Bernard (PDF)

 

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. 

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Recording of Sister Bernard's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by clicking on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the screen and choosing "Download." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Bernard's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by clicking on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the screen and choosing "Download." Worship Aid (PDF)

 

Leave your comments and remembrances – if you don't see the comment box below, click on the "Read More" link.