Obituary of MaryAnn Bernard

MaryAnn Bernard passed away with her family by her side on December 20, 2023 at the Franciscan Health Center in Duluth after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She was born December 27, 1957 to William and Kathryn Aldrich in Duluth, Minnesota. In 1978 she married Dell Bernard, and they recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. They started their married life in Virginia, MN and then lived in Eveleth, MN until moving to Duluth in 1994.

MaryAnn thought it would be interesting to work for all branches of the government, and in 1977 started her career with St. Louis County. In 1993 she graduated from Bemidji State and immediately got a position with the State of Minnesota where she worked for several years. Later she worked for TSA and the City of Duluth. She also worked for the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and finished her career in the administration office of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.

MaryAnn loved to read and used that passion to mentor young children in elementary school, volunteering to read to them and nurture their desire to read. She also enjoyed playing the piano, oil painting and rosemaling.

She was always very smart and never one to make a hasty decision. MaryAnn enjoyed road trips, the North Shore, and getting together with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her husband Dell, son Phillip, brother William Aldrich, sisters Jane (Michael) Killian and Nancy (Scott) Peterson, sisters-in-law Joan (Gary) Peterson, Peg (Ed Gehlhausen) Bernard, Diane (Don) Brooks, Carol Bernard, and Sue (Steve) Mielke, favorite cousin (FC) Garry Nordenstam, dearest friend Pat Wainio, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful staff at the Franciscan Health Center, Essentia Health Hospice, and the best neighbors anyone could have for all of the wonderful meals delivered weekly.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. with visitation one hour prior, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave, in Duluth.

In honor of MaryAnn’s life, memorial gifts may be directed to: Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, 4503 Airpark Blvd, Duluth, MN 55811 or the Salvation Army, 215 S 27th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806.