Bernadette “Bernie” Loretta Bolger January 11, 1941 – January 26, 2019 Share this obituary View/Sign Guest Book| Send Sympathy Card 78, of Novato, CA, entered eternal peace on Saturday, January 26, 2019, after a brief illness. She is now reunited in Heaven with her loving parents, Patrick and Mary (nee McConville) Bolger, four cherished brothers Patrick, Michael, Victor and Andrew, and her nephew, Patrick J. She will be deeply missed by her sisters-in-law Jan, Ginny and Linda Bolger. Bernie was a proud and special Aunt to her nieces, Teri Roux, Kathi Gilman and Jennifer Bolger Breceda, and her nephews, Tim, Mike, Tom and John Bolger, and their spouses.
She was also adored by her fourteen grand nieces and nephews. She will also be lovingly remembered by her large, extended Irish family and her many life-long friends. Bernadette was born on January 11, 1941, in Minocqua, Wisconsin.
As the only girl in her immediate family, she learned early on to be a champion for women. She excelled in school and was the valedictorian of her high school class and graduated magna cum laude from Marquette University. She joined the Order of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi for 5 years.
She then became Dean of Women of Quincy College in Illinois, and later, Dean of Students of the University of San Francisco. She earned her Masters at Marquette University and her law degree from Boalt Hall, Univ. of CA, Berkeley.
She had a successful legal career serving as Senior Counsel at Bank of America, Managing Counsel for Bank of California, and Chief Counsel of Mellon Capital Management. She was active in her community and served on several boards and non-profits. Her keen legal mind and tenacity for transparent and good financial processes helped many organizations function with stability and strength.
A devout Catholic and an avid golfer, she loved her life in California, her special dog and best friend, Mackenzie “Mac,” travel, bridge, large family gatherings, quiet retreats, and her dear friends. Everyone loved her kind, generous, loving nature, and her great sense of humor. A memorial reception will be held in Marin County in the near future.
A mass celebrating Bernadette’s beautiful life will be held in Minocqua Wisconsin at a later date this summer, along with a joint visitation with her dear “Irish twin” brother, T. Michael Bolger, who preceded her in death less than two months prior. Condolences may be sent to: The Bolger Family, P.O. Box 87, Minocqua, WI 54548, www. bolgerfuneral.com In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bernie’s name may be made to: the Minocqua Museum, 503 Flambeau St, Minocqua, WI 54548; or Marquette University, Women’s Council Scholarship, Zilber Hall, Ste 421, 1250 W. Wisconsin Ave.
, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
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