DENNIS- Bernadette A. (Salvi) Bernard Brewer died on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a brief illness. She was 84 years old.
Bernie was born on September 2, 1936 to the late James and Mary Salvi. Bernie was the younger of James’ and Mary’s two children. Bernie’s brother, Bill, was born two years earlier. Bernie grew up in Waltham where she attended Waltham High School. While at Waltham High Bernie participated in many activities – none, however, more important, exciting, or fun than being a drum majorette. After graduating from Waltham High, Bernie attended Boston College.
After college Bernie began a long and very successful career as a Marketing Executive. She began her career working as a Marketing Consultant at Data Instruments, a company that specialized in the production of medical instruments. Her last job prior to her retirement, which she often said was the most fulfilling, was at PCMI now in North Attleboro. At PCMI Bernie traveled extensively internationally, a feature of the work she found fulfilling and through which she met a fascinating group of friends and colleagues.
Bernie met her first husband, William Bernard, not long after he had returned from the Korean War. After a brief courtship they were married. They first lived in Woburn – where she met her great friend, Sandy Hart – later moving to Billerica where they lived for many years until their marriage ended. This said, while their marriage had ended Bernie and Bill remained in each other’s lives as true friends and two people who really stuck by and cared for one another through the best and worst of times. After her divorce, Bernie moved to Lexington where she lived for many years until she retired and then moved to the Cape.
Bernie enjoyed many activities throughout her life – including skiing, golfing, bowling, sketching, playing the piano, and taking photos – excelling at and widely admired for almost all. She was a phenomenal seamstress and made some of her own ski jackets. Bernie loved to cook and entertain – which was a winning combination for her guests who were able to enjoy a gourmet meal while in outstanding company.
Bernie’s friends were incredibly important to her and she to them. Several times a week, Bernie and her dear friend, Carol Raymond went out to eat at Olympia’s in Yarmouth with Sandy often joining them. Bernie, Carol, and Sandy were members of The Birthday Club – seven women who celebrate each other’s birthdays and one another by going out to dinner at the place of the Birthday Girl’s choice. Bernie and Sandi shopped, bowled, golfed, and played cards with their friends at the Dennis Highlands Golf Club. In many ways, Bernie and Sandy were as close as sisters – not just through these activities but because they knew everything about one another and each other’s lives.
Bernie will be deeply missed by her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Janet Salvi and their children, her cousins Eloise Allegra and Richard Nester; and her many beloved friends, including Sandy Hart, her dear friend of 55 years. Bernie was a lover of poodles throughout her life – and leaves her beloved Jackson, her devoted, warm, friendly, and loving Standard Apricot Poodle, whom she rescued and missed terribly throughout her hospitalization. Bernie will be happy to know that her sweet, kind-loving Jackson has found another wonderful family who loves him and he them.
Bernie received great care and devotion from the medical team at the Brigham and Women’s and her family appreciated it.
A Celebration of Bernie’s life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 30th at the Dennis Highlands Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brewster Chapter of the Animal Rescue League. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.doanebealamesdennis.com.