April 22, 1925 – June 6, 2024
Sister Marie Bernadette Walsh died peacefully on June 6, 2024 at St. John of God Care Center in Los Angeles. For the last month fo her life, she has enjoyed being the oldest Sister of St. Joseph in Los Angeles at 99 years old.
Marie Bernadette, the firstborn in her family, was born in Wyoming. Her siblings include Patricia, Margaret (Peggy) and Jim. In 1951, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Sister Marie Bernadette taught for a few years and then went to UCLA, where she earned a degree in business administration. This prepared her for more than 50 years of working in business offices in our hospitals in Los Angeles; Pasco, Washington; Tucson, Arizona; and at Mount St. Mary’s College and St. Mary’s Academy. She spent a decade in the finance office of the Los Angeles Province.
She was a strength to her family, especially to her nieces and nephews. Her support to her family was truly a ministry of love.
May she rest in peace.
Rest in God’s arms, sister
I remember meeting Sister Marie Bernadette in the business office at Mount St. Mary’s back in 1976. I was a very immature freshman Biology Major and she always treated me with respect. We would enjoy have nice conversations. SMB was very humble and wouldn’t flaunt her acute mind or any other aspect of her bright essence. We remained in contact after I graduated and would exchange cards and phone calls. She even remembered my birthday! SMB was special to me because she was born the same year and month as my beloved late father. She also shared the same year and month with the late Dr. Bundy, MSMC Biochemistry professor. My Christmas card to SMB was returned this year and was able to find the news of her passing. Although I feel a void in my heart, I know she is now in heaven.