Since early years in the community, Sister Bernadette was known as a generous and welcoming person. From a sister with a first-time assignment to teach a lower grade to the first-time inquirer about House of Prayer programs, Sister Bernadette easily stepped forward to help. 

Sister Eleanor Bernadette Brennan, Sister Marian Bernadette, was born February 14, 1933, in Manhattan, one of two daughters of John and Eileen Collins Brennan. Bernadette attended Saint John Chrysostom Elementary School in the Bronx and Cathedral High School in Manhattan. After graduation, she worked for one year before entering the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1951. Sister Bernadette received a BS in Mathematics from College of Mount Saint Vincent and a MED in Education from Boston College. New York State awarded her Permanent Certification in Education K – 6.

Of Sister Bernadette’s sixty-six years of active ministry, she dedicated forty-one to elementary education as classroom teacher and Assistant Principal. She served at Incarnation, Saint Paul, and Saint Ignatius Loyola, all in Manhattan, Sacred Heart in Hartsdale, Visitation in the Bronx, Our Lady Star of the Sea, in Staten Island, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scarsdale, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Pelham Manor.

In 1987, Sister Bernadette was asked to be the Secretary to the President of the Congregation. After fulfilling this appointment, she assisted in the programs of the House of Prayer in Scarsdale, while teaching, and later volunteering, in nearby elementary schools. Collectively, she dedicated twenty years to the House of Prayer ministry. In 2020, Sister Bernadette joined the retirement community at Mount Saint Vincent Convent, later moving to the Kittay Senior Apartments, part of the New Jewish Home in the Bronx. It is here she died February 3, 2024, in the seventy-third year of commitment as a Sister of Charity of New York.

Since early years in the community, Sister Bernadette was known as a generous and welcoming person. From a sister with a first-time assignment to teach a lower grade to the first-time inquirer about House of Prayer programs, Sister Bernadette easily stepped forward to help. Reserved in manner, her even temperament often provided the steady presence needed in an unclear situation. She was proud of her Irish heritage, creative with her hands, and always open to a good time.

Sister Bernadette, you responded with a generous heart to many calls to serve your God. At this final call on the journey of life, a loving God welcomes you into the mystery of eternal love and salvation’s fullness. The hope of the resurrection will be complete for you with your final Yes to our God. Go in peace.