Bernadette was born 18 July 1928, at Wagga, NSW, the daughter of William and May (Maher), and sister of Irene and Mary (both dec), and John.

Bernadette received her primary and secondary education from the Presentation Sisters at Wagga. She was introduced to the Dominicans by Fr John Leonard, and entered the Dominican Novitiate 2nd  Feb 1955. She was professed as  Sr M. William on 11th  Jan 1957.

Bernadette trained as a  primary school teacher and taught at St Martin’s Carina, St Columban’s Mayfield, Rosary School Watson, St Lucy’s School Wahroonga and St Dominic’s Camberwell.

She had great concern for the poor, especially the homeless and those with addictions. She worked at Bethlehem House Hobart, Matt Talbot Sydney, and the Open Family Foundation Melbourne. In latter years she also assisted those in Boarding Houses through the St Vincent de Paul Society in Sydney.

Bernadette was a carer for some of her Dominican Sisters in Waratah, Canberra and Strathfield.        When she moved to Wahroonga in 1995, she began her music ministry, visiting nursing homes, hostels and day care centres with her violin.  She said “I am blessed to have the skill, health and encouragement to be doing what I can do best, and receive even more joy and love than I am told I give.”

Bernadette was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and moved to Santa Sabina in 2007.  She died peacefully on 22nd July. 

Motto: "All for Jesus through Mary"

May she now rest peacefully in the Lord.