We remember . . . Bernadine Gehringer, SSJ
Bernadine Gehringer, SSJ, formerly Sister Mary Michael, 87, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on June 19, 2025, in the 70th year of her religious life. She was born on September 15, 1937, in Erie to the late Elmer and Agnes Gehringer.
Sister Bernadine would recall how, even as a young girl, she always wanted to be a Sister. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on August 31, 1955, from her home parish, St. John the Baptist in Erie, and professed her final vows on August 15, 1961.
Sister Bernadine graduated from Villa Maria Academy in 1955. She received a BS in Elementary Education from Villa Maria College and a degree in Library Science from Edinboro University. She ministered as a teacher for more than 30 years at several Erie Diocesan schools, including St. Ann, Villa Maria Elementary, St. Peter Cathedral, Spirit of Christ, and Our Lady of Peace Schools in Erie. She also taught at St. Brigid School in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and Notre Dame School in Hermitage, PA. Additionally, she served as the principal of Our Lady of Peace School in Erie. She was a pastoral minister for Holy Redeemer Parish in Warren, Pennsylvania; St. Matthew in the Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania; and Immaculate Conception Parish in Clarion, Pennsylvania. She also worked as a receptionist at Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Elmer Grhringer, and two nephews, Michael and John Gehringer. She is survived by a nephew, Joseph Gehringer (Anna), a niece, Kathleen Stebnisky (Michael), and a niece-in-law, Mariah Gehringer, and several great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her religious community, the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Friends may call at the Sisters of St. Joseph Community Living Center, 5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, on Monday, June 23, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. with prayer and sharing of memories. Calling hours will continue until 3:50 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 4:00 p.m. The Mass will be livestreamed on the Sisters of St. Joseph YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/SSJErie/live. The interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Mission & Ministries Foundation, 5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA, 16506-1249. The Quinn Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
