Sister Bernadette Noonan

Sister Bernadette Noonan, 86, of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, died Sunday, December 11, 2022, at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center.

Sister Bernadette was born in Boston, daughter of Harold and Bernadette (Cassidy) Noonan. She was a graduate of Cardinal Cushing High School in South Boston.  She graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston with a degree in elementary education. She later received her master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry and Guidance from Emmanuel.

After graduating from high school, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1954. She was known for many years as Sister Bernadette Veronica.

Sister Bernadette was a teacher for 20 years in Sisters of Notre Dame affiliated parish elementary schools in the Boston Archdiocese.  She later taught religious education at St. Michael’s Parish in Exeter, N.H. from 1976 to 1979.  She was an administrative assistant at St. Joseph’s Church in Quincy from 1980 to 1985. Inspired by her own experience with a stroke in the 1990s she later helped care for patients recovering from similar health challenges.

Sister leaves her sister, Paula St. Germaine of North Carolina; five brothers, Harold Noonan and his wife Kay of Sarasota, Fla., Kevin Noonan of Lowell, Dennis Noonan of Fla., James Noonan of Fla., and David Noonan of Millis; nieces and nephews and her sisters in religion, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.  She was predeceased by her sisters, Geraldine and Elaine Noonan.

Sister Bernadette’s funeral will be held Tuesday, December 20, in the Notre Dame du Lac Chapel, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, with a visitation period at 1 p.m. followed by a sharing of memories at 1:30 p.m., and a Mass at 2 p.m.  Burial will be in Notre Dame du Lac Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 351 Broadway, Everett, MA  02149.

The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.