Sr. Bernidita Peterson

After struggling with health problems for years, Sr. Bernadita released her spirit back to God on the evening of Monday, September 16. In preparation for her funeral, she had requested years ago that this photo be included in the province obituary. The photo embodied love she had for God’s creation—which was nurtured as a young girl on the farm where she grew up. She was born to Robert Peterson and Viola Vanbunker Peterson on Christmas Eve, 1932 in Martinton, IL. She was the oldest child of two brothers and a sister, who have all preceded her in death: Wayne (Dolly) of Martinton, IL, Joyce (Keith) Tatro of Normal, IL, and Roger, better known as Buck (Kathy) of Martinton, IL. She has countless nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews, who will miss her.

Sr. Bernadita received her elementary education in a two-room schoolhouse, where she would often help teach other children. In the summer, she interacted with the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, who would come and teach Bible school.

This was not an easy decision, as she was close to her family, yet she entered the Pallottines at the age of 17 in Huntington, WV on August 8, 1950. She took her first profession of vows three years later, followed by her final vows on August 15, 1959.

Through the years she continued her education, receiving her B.A. in Business Administration at Dunbarton College, Catholic University of America, Marshall University, St. Louis University where she received in M.A. in English and further education courses through the University of Wisconsin.

Her love of teaching continued where she taught in Spring Lake, Michigan and in Laurel, Maryland. She was also called to be part of the formation team of young members in the roles of postulant, novice, and junior director.

Her administrative skills were used in service as a member of the provincial council, and Director of the Pallottine Renewal Center in Florissant, Missouri in 1989 to 2007.

In 1974 while teaching in Spring Lake, Michigan, Sr. Bernadita received a phone call from Rome, Italy, asking if she would be willing to serve as a General Councilor that governs the international order. It was there she met, Sr. Iniga Dorner, a Pallottine from Germany, where they established a long-lasting friendship.

Sr. Bernadita will be remembered for her love of storytelling, her delight in going camping with friends, making candles, getting her hands dirty in the soil, and making pottery. “I want to be remembered that wherever I could, I would plant a flower wherever a flower could grow.”

Well, Sr. Bernadita, your flowers are growing throughout the world—in the people you taught, the women you formed in religious life, the changes you helped bring about in Rome, and in the many gardens that you tended.

Visitation will be at the Sisters’ Chapel in St. Mary’s Medical Center from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. by Rev. Anthony Benedict. Rite of Committal will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington. Reger Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pallottine Missionary Sisters Retirement Fund. Condolences may be made at www.regerfh.com.