Obituary of Maureen E. Bernas
Maureen E. Bernas “Rena”,” Aunt Rena”
Passed from this world and our lives into a place where we know she is watching over us all.
Maureen was born January, 26, 1971 in Elmira, New York, the youngest daughter of Jean L. Bernas and Frank J. Bernas Jr., both of whom predeceased her. She was half sister of Joan Middaugh also predeceased. Maureen was also predeceased by her loving and faithful canine companion Albion “Alby”.
Maureen was an accomplished scholar. She completed her last year of high school as a foreign exchange student in Australia, graduating 2nd in her high school class from Thomas A. Edison in 1989. She then went on to attend Elmira College where she majored in French. While attending Elmira College, Maureen spent her Junior year abroad in Paris, France. Here is where she found her passion, the French culture and language. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Elmira college in 1993, after completing her internship at the United Nations office in NYC. In order to educate Jr. & Sr. high school students on her passion, Maureen continued on to the University of Indiana where she completed her Master’s Degree in Education. While there, she volunteered for Habit for Humanity and worked as an administrative assistant for the Nursing Department. Upon graduation Maureen taught the French language in Greenville, South Carolina, as well as at several New York schools to include, Watertown, Nunda, and Elmira. In recent years, she was known to volunteer her time at the local food bank, Children’s Integrated Services, and Literacy volunteers.
Maureen’s dedication, expertise, and knowledge on France was second to none, She tried to treat all her students as fairly as possible in the hopes that they, too, someday might have the same appreciation for France as she did.
She treasured the time she spent with her family, especially her nephews, Connor and Brenden Share. She was a loving and caring Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend.
Maureen is survived by her siblings and their children, Barbara (Fred) Share with Connor, Brenden, and Freddy Share, Donna Jean (Dwight “Corky”) Callihan with Jessica Callihan, Edward (Donna) McPherson with Matthew (Erika) and Alysha (Britney) McPherson, Elizabeth ”Betsy” (Michael) Tice with Josua (Missey) Church, and Jeremy Gulich, Thomas McPherson (Wendy Fox), with Brenna (Anthony) George and Molly (Josh) Zosky, Richard (Lisa) McPherson with Craig and Kristen McPherson, Daniel Middaugh, Kate Carpenter with Patty and Dan Carpenter, Mary (Ray) Margeson, Ann (Bob) Andrew with Jennifer (Chad) Miller and Brian Andrew, Paul (Laura Betschen) Bernas with Dr's. Alise (Michael) Pham and Daniel Farr, Joan (Doug) Blanding with Spencer and Colin Smith, James (Cathy) Bernas with Corey Bernas, Josh, and Zack Burzynski, and Sarah Potts, her beloved Aunt Joyce Bernas, along with close Family friends Mark and Lil Taylor with Mark Taylor and Molly (Bob) Bennett with Dylan Bennett along with many Great Nieces and Nephews., and Cousins.
Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., in Elmira on Friday, September 1st 2017 from 11 am to 12 pm. A memorial celebration for Maureen will be held there at 12 pm. Committal and interment prayers will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Corning. In lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.