Birth date: Nov 10, 1962 Death date: Feb 5, 2023
In lieu of flowers, please visit the adaptive physical education contact page at https://adaptivepevmsc.org/contact.php to donate in memory of Bernadette. Bernadette Gersh, 60, of Redwood City, CA, passed away peacefully at home Read Obituary
Bernadette was a treasure! She attended our Adaptive P.E. Program in Redwood City for a year and a half prior to the pandemic. Bernadette arrived first thing each morning and could not wait to begin her exercise routine. Everyone looked forward to seeing her, as her kindness, wonderful smile, and the special camaraderie that she developed with each person drew folks to her. Her love of the Virginia Tech Hokie’s was evident—she even brought one of their t-shirts to her classmate Wes!
Regardless of what she was enduring, Bernadette displayed courage and grace. Her natural inclination for nursing had her encouraging others. Bernadette’s charm lit up our classroom, and her diligence with her exercise routine inspired others to work hard too.
Bernadette was so, so proud of Jordan, and we shared in her joy while hearing about her endeavors. She was blessed to have Mark as a wonderful care partner, and it was also a treat to hear about their travels.
Our Adaptive P.E. Program is honored and very grateful that her family has chosen us to be the recipient of donations in her memory. On behalf of staff, participants, and myself, we will hold very fond memories of Bernadette, as well as having enhanced our own personal strengths due to knowing her.
Barbara McCarthy
Dear Mark, I am so sorry about Bernadette’s passing. I know there is nothing I can say to fill the hole in your heart, but I wanted you and Jordan to know I was thinking of you in your time of profound grief. I had the good fortune to know you and Bernie when you first met in Ft Walton Beach, Florida. It was quite apparent that you two wonderful people were destined to share life’s journey. How blessed you were to have 34+ years. Please take care of yourself. Bernie would have wanted that. With Deepest Sympathy, Chris Anderson, Sequim Washington
To Mark, Jordan & all those that loved Bernadette. My heart was sorely pained at her passing. I worked with her many years ago when she lived in DC. She was a very beautiful &loving person. I will miss our text messaging & the annual Gersh Newsletter! She will forever be apart of my memories. May God forever bless and keep the Gersh family in his divine care. Rest In Heaven my friend!
I am so sorry that I am unable to attend Bernadette’s memorial service. I live in New Jersey and cannot travel at this time.
I met Bernadette in 1990 when I was a medical technician in the Air Force Reserves. Our units were merged and stationed in Germany. I knew that she was a nurse. One day we received soldiers that arrived from Saudi Arabia and they had to be triaged. I noticed that she was moving between soldiers at a fast pace, rendering orders and the physicians were deferring care to her. Immediately, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse just like “Captain Gersh!” A few days later she was asked to go on a supply run so I asked if I could go with her. During this time she told me all about her profession as a nurse practitioner. When I returned home, I knew that I wanted to be just like her! I graduated from school and have been a nurse practitioner for the last 20+ years. I am so thankful to Bernadette for introducing me to a career that I love. I am also fortunate to have reconnected with her a couple of years ago to thank her as well. I think of her identity and feel such gratitude for having known her. She truly exemplified the importance of mentorship!
I feel so fortunate to have met Bernadette, Mark, and Jordan.
We met in Orlando on a retreat for young families with a parent battling a terminal illness. I only spent three total days with her in person (but am grateful that we always kept in touch after). Of course, it didn’t take three full days for anyone to recognize the extraordinary person she was— her light shine so brightly that anyone who met her must have loved her immediately.
I was privileged to be the volunteer assigned to the Gersh family, and so that meant I schlepped water and other things around Universal Studios and did my best to make sure that they had a good time. They didn’t really need me, as Bernadette had such a wonderful spirit that she would be happy anywhere. That was readily apparent and such a lovely part of her.
What a smile! When you saw Bernadette smile, you knew that it came from a place within her that was truly content and always experienced such great love. Love really is the biggest word I think about when I think about Bernadette. She loved Mark and Jordan so much, And what a wonderful thing that she knew how much they loved her back. I hope that is something that the two of you will always carry with you and be comforted by. Right now it’s so indescribably hard because when we love well, we grieve so much more, but I want you to know that you loved her so deeply, and she loved you so deeply. And, what a beautiful and wonderful thing that she recognized how deep your bonds ran and the gift of love that the three of you gave so extravagantly. The special relationship of your family was something I noticed not only when I met you, but in phone conversations over the years when she talked about you both.
Over those few days, we shared so many stories about our lives. We talked about places we had traveled, and places we wanted to go. She told me about her career, and her work, and helping new moms who are struggling with breast-feeding. Through all of the stories, I felt like I got to know a little bit of Bernadette. And I was so in awe, not only of her wide-ranging interests, but also of the clear compassion that she showed in all of her work and truly in every moment of her life. Anyone who crossed paths with Bernadette was lucky.
I enjoyed reading others’ notes and seeing that like me, they were equally touched. Mark and Jordan, there are no words any of us can say to ease your pain, but I hope you know we all care so much.
I first met Bernie when Ben brought me along to Fred and Micki’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration in Orlando, Florida. I was terrified to be meeting all the family, but Bernie’s warm demeanor and caring smile eased my spirit. Over the years, we have had several adventures together. From Jordan’s graduation weekend and Riley calling Bernie “California mommy” to hosting you guys in our home and touring Auburn with you. We will forever be grateful to the both of you for your love and support over the years. We will always cherish our time spent with the Cali Gersh family and will miss Bernie terribly.
Mark and Jordan, hold tight to the memories, they will get you through the hardest days.
We love you!
Ben, Crystal, John Henry and Riley
The Bama Gersh Gang
I have such wonderful memories of Bernie and I am so sad that she has passed. I remember her beautiful wedding and all the pictures over the years. Although she was mostly way across the country from me, we kept in touch regularly. I will remember always how she handled her problems with strength and grace. What a role model she was!! Rest in peace Bernie, Doris
My cousin Mark is a special guy, so I knew that the woman who captured his heart would be extra special too…. And Bernadette truly was a special soul with a kind heart and a twinkle in her eye. She was our calm and soothing savior a million years ago when Becca was small and we were stuck at the airport during a storm with all flights delayed. I was a hot mess and so was baby Becca. Bernadette just collected her in her arms and strolled the concourse working her soothing magic on her. By the time we boarded, Becca was calm, maybe even asleep, and a non-plussed Bernadette was left with a tear and boogie-stained sweatshirt…And 26 years later, Bernadette and Mark danced at “baby” Becca’s wedding. ❤️ Bernadette was also tour-guide extraordinaire when Scott visited for a few days while on a business trip bringing him to the Winchester mansion with stairs that apparently went nowhere and then to a craft and wine fair… or did they go to the wine fair first and then just get lost on all of the stairs….hmmm…🤔. Scott and I also remember riding with Mark and Bernadette to a Baltimore Orioles game in their VW convertible with the top down… Yeehaa!! And of course, besides Bernadette being the fun, wonderful and loving cousin-in-law, the wonderful and loving wife to Mark, she was also the wonderful and loving Mom to sweet Jordan. Bernadette…you were and will always be loved and you will be missed. May you rest in peace. Along with our heartfelt condolences and soooo much love, may all of these sweet memories be a blessing to you, Mark and Jordan, and to all of your family and friends. Love you ❤️ Laura and Scott
