October 25, 2012

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Mary T. Bernier, 76, formerly of Washington St., Watertown, passed away at her home in Atco, N.J. where she had resided since December 2011.

Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at Holy Family Church with Fr. Steven Murray, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will also receive guests at a reception at the Hilton Garden Inn following the committal service.

Born June 22, 1936, in Watertown, a daughter of George S. and Alice Jones Tripp, she graduated in 1954 from Immaculate Heart Academy and then from the Watertown School of Commerce. 

A marriage to James T. Bernier ended in divorce.

For nineteen years she was a teacher's assistant at Watertown High School. 

Mary volunteered and was a former executive for the March of Dimes, and was a former board member of Bridges Inc. 

She was fond of movies, animals, and especially enjoyed her children and grandchildren.

Surviving are four children, James T. Bernier, Jr. and wife, Kendall W., Alpharetta, Ga., Annette M. Berka and husband, Brian, Phoenix, Ariz., John A. Bernier and fiancé, Lisa Casiano, Jersey City, N.J., and Martha B. Smith and husband, Christopher, Berlin, N.J.; eight grandchildren; three brothers, George S. Tripp, Clayton, Paul Anthony (Tony) Tripp and wife, Noreen, Nampa, ID, and Michael Tripp, Watertown; six sisters, Margaret (Peggy) Lapo and husband, Frank, Delanson; Julia (Judy) Spillett, Holland, OH, Catherine Timmeny and husband, Wally, Va. and Fla., Helen Smiley and husband, Wayne, Watertown, Alice Lazenby and husband, Ray, Supply, N,C,, and Eleanor Majeski and husband, Frank, Scottsville,; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Three brothers, Peter, Patrick, and Dr. Joseph Tripp, all died before her.

The family wishes donations in her name in lieu of flowers be made to Immaculate Heart Central Scholarship Fund, 1316 Ives St., The Sister's of St. Joseph, 1425 Washington St., or Holy Family Church, 139 Winthrop St., all of Watertown, NY 13601.

Condolences to the family may be made at CummingsFuneral.com.

Information provided by Cummings Funeral Service and Newzjunky.com, Watertown