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Bernadine was born on August 15, 1934, to Stephen and Cecilia Wachowiak. On September 2, 1934, Bernadine was baptized at St. Hedwig Church in Chicago, IL. She was the eldest of 3, a brother, Kenneth, and a sister, Rita. Little Bernadine remembers her mother dressing her up for her birthday. She cherished this special day, which she shared with the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Assumption.
Bernadine attended St. Hedwig School, which she enjoyed very much. On her way to attend Church devotions, she often talked to Sisters. Later, she attended Holy Family Academy, where she grew closer to the Sisters. It was there that she decided she wanted to be like them.
Bernadine entered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on June 1, 1951. A year later, she was accepted into the novitiate on June 21, 1952, where she received the name Sister M. Norbertine. Professing her first vows on June 23, 1954, she was assigned to St. Hyacinth School, Chicago, IL. On August 6, 1960, Feast of the Transfiguration, professing her perpetual vows, Sister M. Norbertine added to her name the mystery Immaculate Spouse of the Holy Spirit, to whom she had a deep devotion. Later, she would return to her baptismal name, Sister Bernadine.
Sister Bernadine treasured her teaching degree and devoted herself wholeheartedly to the needs of every child entrusted to her by God. For 60 years, Sister Bernadine shared her gifts as an educator, guiding and forming generations of children. She ministered at St. Hyacinth, St. Blasé, St. Michael, St. Stanislaus in South Bend, St. Emily in Mount Prospect, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Josaphat, St. Hedwig, St. Andrew, and St. Ladislaus. At St Ladislaus, she served for 25 years.
On February 22, 2026, Sister Bernadine quietly passed into the loving embrace of God. Throughout her life, Sister Bernadine would say, “God was good to me. I would live my life just as it was, the good and the bad, a life full of many blessings.” With grateful hearts for your life, we commend you to everlasting peace with the One who has always been your everything. To share your messages of remembrance, please visit our Message of Remembrance page. May she rest in peace.
