June 12, 1930 – Aug. 1, 2023

“A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty.”

~ Joan Didion, “The Year of Magical Thinking”

Bernie Sullivan’s story starts on June 12, 1930 in Lindsay, Nebraska – population: 332. The youngest child of Isabella and Killian Schmitz grew up in a household of 10 during the Depression. Her father died in 1941 in a construction accident.

Prior to her senior year in high school, Bernie and Isabella moved to Los Angeles, following her sisters who relocated west in 1942. Aside from the obvious culture shock, Bernie recalled seeing artichokes, avocados and tamales for the first time.

Bernie was out of high school hired by Security Pacific Bank. She went onto be the first female bank supervisor in the LA. At the 12th & Maple branch she met Frank Sullivan, a transplant from Philadelphia. They married in 1957 and moved to the Verdugo Woodlands where she lived for 63 years. Our cherished Bernadeen passed peacefully on Aug. 1 with her daughter at her side.

Besides family and her faith, Bernie loved sports. She attended World Series, Super and Rose Bowls, UCLA, Lakers, Kings Stanley Cup, Army/Navy and the Olympics. Her favorite team was UCLA … and whoever was playing against USC!

Waiting for her in heaven will be her husband Frank, nine siblings, parents, countless friends and relatives, Vin Scully, Kobe Bryant and John Wooden.

She is survived by her three children: Julie, Patrick, Joan; grandkids Madison, Sabrina, Shelby and Daniel; countless caring nieces and nephews; friends, and her Holy Redeemer buddies.

Heartfelt thanks to Analee and the staff at Montrose Healthcare, Sr. Vicki Smurlo, BVM, and Daisy at The Mission Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug.12 at 10 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church, 2400 Montrose Ave. in Montrose.

Private interment will follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.