The Yonkers community mourned the loss of one of its dedicated public servants earlier this month when Bernadette Dunne passed away at the age of 84. Dunne served as a Board of Education trustee from 1996 through 2010. During her tenure, she held the leadership positions of president from 2006 through 2008, and again in 2009 to 2010; and as vice president from 2003 to 2005. Over 15 years, Dunne worked with five superintendents of schools.
Yonkers Board of Education President the Rev. Steve Lopez extended his condolences on behalf of the current Board of Education to the family of former trustee Dunne. “Our hearts and prayers are with Mrs. Dunne’s children and grandchildren,” he said. “Bernadette’s contributions to our community had a positive impact within our city. Her faith ensures life here on earth is only a part of an eternal promise to glory guaranteed by almighty God.”
Bernadette C. Dunne (nee Tighe) passed away from natural causes Thursday, July 11,2019. She was 84 years old. Dunne was born in Inwood in Upper Manhattan on May 5,1935. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Marymount Manhattan College.
After graduating college, she spent most of 1956 touring Europe and then embarked on a 55-year career in education. She taught for 19 years at Public School 152 on Nagle Avenue in Upper Manhattan. Dunne then taught at, and was principle of Christ the King and Sacred Heart parochial schools in Yonkers. She concluded her career in 2010, after a 15-year tenure as trustee and president of the Yonkers Board of Education.
Dunne left profound and lasting marks on all the students she taught, many of whom stayed in touch with her over the decades and leaned on her for career and personal advice. She will be missed and remembered all ways and always.
Dunne is predeceased by her husband, David Dunne, and her brother, Timothy Tighe. She is survived by her daughter, Deirdre Dunne (Ivan Gonzalez); her son, Dennis Dunne (Charlotte); and her grandchildren, Cameron Dunne, Kaitlin Dunne, Griffin Dunne, Natalie Gonzalez and Gavin Gonzalez.
Visiting hours were held at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home and a funeral mass was held at Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Dunne’s memory to Friends of the Children NY (www.friendsnewyork.org) or Catholic Charities (www.catholiccharitiesny.org).
