Obituary of Virginia Joyce (Nelson) Bernard

Virginia Joyce Bernard, wife of the late George Robert “Bob” Bernard, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family members on December 19, 2006. She was the daughter of the late Harold R. Nelson of Salem and Mary Vernon “Verna” (Hare) Nelson of Exmoor, New Brunswick, Canada. She was born on December 27, 1928 in Danvers and grew up in Castle Hill, Salem. Virginia was a retired nurse practitioner who worked many years at Danvers State Hospital in Danvers, the Pilgrim House in Peabody, the Union Hospital/Atlantic Care in Lynn and Tewksbury State Hospital before retiring. A mother of 8 children, Virginia not only had a large family, but also a big heart. She taught, through example, the value of acceptance, including taking in others and adding the richness of our already very large family. These lessons have inspired many in the family to choose careers aimed at helping others. She is survived by a sister, Jackie Jobe of Tennessee, and two brothers, Peter and his wife Pat Nelson, and Roy “Buddy” Nelson of Beverly. She leaves behind her daughter, Verna Bernard and George Shelden of New York City, daughter Suzzette Bernard and Carol Recore of Worcester, daughter Roxanne and Daniel Flathers of Peabody, her son, Nelson and Kim Bernard of Florida, her daughter Keely and John Tivey of Peabody, daughter Carolyn and Ray Daniel of Delaware, daughter Jocelyn Dean of Delaware, her son Norman Bernard of Peabody, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St.,Peabody Facility, to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Burial will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the American Lung Assoc., one Abbey Lane, Middleboro, MA 02346-3230.