THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
Daytona Beach, Florida
Sunday, August 17, 2008


Bernadette Collier was called to heaven to take her place with the angels. Bernie was born in Homestead, PA in 1922, as the middle daughter of her parents, Sarah and James Walker.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, she met her eventual husband, Bill Collier, who decided to go to Bernadette's hometown church, in order to meet her. They were later married in that same church.

After high school, Bernie continued her education and received a secretarial certificate from the Pittsburgh Business School.

She was the mother to four children-three boys, Bill Jr., Glenn and Bobby; and one girl, Sally, her youngest. Bernie stayed at home to raise the children until they reached school age. She remained active in her church and as a volunteer in her community. Later, our Mom obtained training as a nurse's assistant and worked in a Cardiology office doing everything from billing to drawing blood. She loved helping others.

After World War II, she also worked for the federal government in Washington, D.C., but seemed to miss the work of helping people in the health field and returned to that work. Bernie and Bill retired to Florida in 1972 where she worked part time in another medical clinic. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing tennis, golfing and loved riding her bike, as well as, enjoying the beach. She also took enjoyment in landscape and still life painting.

Bernie was a loving grandmother to four grandchildren- Bobby, Bill Jr's son, and Matt, Stacey and Andrew, the children of her daughter, Sally. Once she became a grandmother, she was forever known as "Nanny". A loving mother, a devoted wife, and a wonderful grandmother, Nanny, always remained a positive role-model with her strong and joyful spirit towards everyone she knew and met. She always maintained a positive attitude and a strong faith in the Lord, which helped guide her through adversity. She always managed to find the best qualities in the family she loved and in all the people she met through life. She played an incalculable role in the shaping and guiding of the lives of her children and grandchildren and others along the way. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A private service is planned by her family.

Arrangements are in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home.