Submitted by: John C. Monk

Sister M. Peter Clare Berna

Oct. 1, 1932 - Jan. 6, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Sister M. Peter Clare (Imogene Anne Marie Berna), CSC, 77, was born in Orem, Utah, on October 1, 1932, to the late Harvey and Pearl Mooren Berna. She is survived by her sister, Eileen (Charles) Wilkinson, Orem, UT, and brother, Peter Berna of Sturgis, MI. Sister is also survived by a niece, Bonnie Anderson, St. George, UT; grandnieces, Charleen Duffey, American Falls, ID, and nephews, Jonnie Wilkinson, American Fort, UT, and Eddie Wilkinson, Payson, UT. Before entering the Congregation, Sister Peter Clare worked as a nurse's aide at the former Holy Cross Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1951 and made vows in 1954. She began her teaching career, elementary education, at St. Cyril's School, Tucson, AZ, and then was assigned to Judge Memorial Catholic School, Salt Lake City, UT, 1959-1962. She had to drop out of teaching for a time because of illness but resumed again at Bishop Glass School, Salt Lake City, UT, 1962-1966. Illness again kept her from her teaching career until 1977, when she was part-time teacher and receptionist at Queen of All Saints School, Michigan City, IN. Sister was a tutor at Notre Dame School, Michigan City, IN, 1978, and secretary at Holy Redeemer School, Burton, MI, 1979-1981. Sister came to Saint Mary's Convent in 1981 and was active in voluntary services and the ministry of prayer. Her spare time was filled with crocheting, watercolors and being as active as her limited mobility allowed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor Fund, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Wake service will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 8, in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, IN. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 8, in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Published in South Bend Tribune on January 7, 2010