Thursday, April 13, 2023

Gayle Marie Bernard, 85

Lakewood, NY – Gayle Marie Bernard, 85, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care in Lakewood, NY.  She was born June 5, 1937, in Wellsville, NY the daughter of the late Glenn and Mildred (Etsler) Hazzard. On June 1, 1963, she married Eugene “Gene” Barnard who predeceased her on January 25, 1979.

Gayle was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School, Wellsville High School, and Mercy Hospital, School of Nursing in South Buffalo. She was employed as a registered nurse at Jones Memorial Hospital for 30 years, retiring in 1999. She worked in the operating room, the emergency room, outpatient surgery and lastly in the oncology clinic associated with the University of Rochester.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Scio where she served on the parish council, was a member of the Altar Society, and taught Church School. She was a volunteer for the Office for the Aging Meals on Wheels and the Allegany County Blind Association. She was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan; often taking grandkids and others to the Bills training camps in the summer. She loved dogs of all types, enjoyed yard work, walking her dogs, reading and crossword puzzles.  Following her retirement, she was always willing and happy to help out with the elderly or sick. She enjoyed playing games and spending time with neighbors and family. She especially enjoyed the regular get-togethers with her treasured nursing colleagues.

She is survived by three daughters; Elizabeth and her husband Gerard Linnecke of Ashville, NY, Susan and her husband Dr. Darrell Singer of Rockville, MD, and Sheila and her husband Dr. Jeremy Hilburn of Wilmington, NC, seven grandchildren; Christine, and her husband Patrick Maloney, Cortney and her husband Tyler Beaton, Ryan Linnecke, Daniel Singer, Sean Singer, Haley Hilburn, and Evan Hilburn, a great-granddaughter, Lucy Mae Maloney, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents and husband by two sisters, Sally Day and Carole Carlin, and many dogs throughout her lifetime.

Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Scio. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

7 comments:

  1. Our hearts are broken. Gayle was our dearest best friend. The memories we made with she and Gene will live with us forever. They were The Best! We send our love and comforting thoughts and prayers to Beth, Susie and Sheila and all their families. Rest in Peace “B” .....we are going to miss you. ❤️❤️❤️ Sandy & Cory Guenter

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  2. I am so sorry to hear this. Gayle was a wonderful person and nurse. So glade that I was able to know her. I didn't know her children but I know her niece Cindy. I am sorry of your loss Cindy.

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  3. Sorry to hear this sad news. Gayle and graduated together and work JMH for many years. She was a wonderful person. Will miss her

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  4. So sorry to hear, I have so many fond memories of Gayle! You could always count on Gayle for a good “belly” laugh- which made working with her great fun!!

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  5. I was very fortunate to know Gayle. I spent a lot of time at the Bernard's home and farm all through high school. Gayle was very kind and I loved visiting with her. She raised 3 beautiful girls. My condolences to the family.

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  6. Dear Beth and Family,
    I was sorry to read in the Wellsville Sun about your mother’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Fondly,
    Karen Carlson

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  7. I had a life cry when I heard the news about my favorite and last Aunt. Aunt Gayle was a very special person and always full of love and life. I will miss her always!! Beth, Susie and Sheila, know that your Mom is now with your Dad and everything is great with her!

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