Bernadine J. Petty

WORCESTER-Bernadine J. (Ryan) Petty, 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 31, 2018.

She was born in Worcester on October 28, 1934 a daughter of the late Patrick F. and Mary E. (Desmond) Ryan. She attended local schools and graduated from Ascension High School in 1952. In 1957 Bernie married the love of her life, Francis J. Petty, and they spent the next 61 years as role models of love and companionship. Her heart was broken, having lost her beloved Francis in October.

Bernadine began her career at New England Telephone Company followed by A1 Answering Service before moving to Hanover Insurance Company where she was known as the "Voice of Hanover Insurance."

Bernie loved to bake her favorite sweets and cook for large gatherings. Many memories were made at Sunday dinners which she always hosted with her husband Franny. She loved time spent with family and friends, especially at the beach and at the campground in Kennebunkport, ME. Family was the epitome of her life and she enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her grandchildren.

She will be forever missed by her children, Dennis M. Petty and his wife, MaryLou of Worcester; Mayor Joseph M. Petty and his wife, Gayle of Worcester, and Mary Meersman and her husband, Scott of Charlton; five grandchildren Ryan, Michael, Nicole, Joseph, and Andrew, many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Bernadine was predeceased by her husband, Francis J. Petty, her sisters Marion Adamski, Teresa Ryan, Elizabeth Carey, Jean Ryan, Eleanor Ryan, and brother Daniel Ryan.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Notre Dame Hospice, Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living, and her wonderful caregivers.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life on Sunday, January 6th from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 7th at Our Lady of The Angels Church, 1222 Main St., Worcester. Following her Mass, she will be interred with her husband at St. John's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Michael J. Dunleavy Foundation, Inc., PO Box 325, Winchester, MA 01890. All donations benefit Childhood Brain Tumor Cancer Research and programs for terminally ill children and their families.

To place an online condolence message please visit our website at: www.callahanfay.com.