Bernadette Bristow

Zoom Link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9822737090?pwd=aTBETnpzY25NajNVMGxhZnJkN2VKdz09 Meeting ID: 982 273 7090 Passcode: bristow Today we gather to celebrate the remarkable life of our beloved Bernadette Banarsee a mother, a fighter, and a true embodiment of strength and love. As we reflect on her life, I want to share with you the wisdom she imparted, the lessons she taught, and the legacy she leaves behind. Mom was a woman of unwavering strength. She took on the challenges of life with courage that inspired us all. In her journey from Georgetown, Guyana, to America, she risked everything to give her children opportunities she had only dreamed of. “To whom much is given, much is required,” she would often say, reminding us of the responsibility that comes with our blessings. She did not take her journey lightly; she embraced it with determination, embodying the American dream as she built a home for her family. Her ambition drove her to excel in her professional life, but it was her heart that truly defined her. Bernadette had a heart so big that it could encompass not just her family, but also those around her. Every summer, she would return home with gifts and toys, not only for us but for the children in the neighborhood. She knew their shirt sizes, their favorite colors, and how to bring smiles to their faces. It did not matter if she had only one apple left; she would split it willingly, sharing everything she had. The act of giving was woven into the very fabric of who she was and who she touched. She taught us that nothing is impossible. “You can do anything you put your mind to,” she would say. I took that to heart! It propelled me forward, instilling a sense of belief in me that nothing could stand in my way. She believed in me, and she believed in every single one of us. “Don’t quit,” she would remind us, urging us to persevere through life’s obstacles. She was a fighter, a gentle warrior with the tenacity to refuse to take “no” for an answer. Her determination showed us that challenges do not define us. Rather, it is our response to those challenges that shapes our legacy. She faced adversity with grace and courage and sometimes the old-fashioned Guyanese way, teaching us resilience and the power of hope. As we celebrate her home going here today, let us remember Bernadette/Mom for the giver she was a mother whose love and generosity knew no boundaries. She was a beacon of light in our lives and the children she professionally nurtured, illuminating our paths with her kindness and warmth. Today, as we say goodbye to a strong remarkable woman, let us carry forward her spirit of giving. Let us honor her memory by embodying her values: strength, courage, determination, and above all, a huge heart. I love you, Mom. Thank you for being our guiding star, our fierce protector, and our inspiration. Your legacy will live on in our hearts and in our actions, and we will continue to celebrate your life by sharing the love you freely gave. Rest in peace, dear Mom Bernadette. Your love will forever be our greatest treasure.

Bernadette Bristow

May 31, 1955 - September 30, 2024