Bernice M McAteer

Bernice Mary (O’Connell) McAteer, age 95, longtime resident of Burlington, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed on January 12, 2021. Bernice was born in Medford, Massachusetts in 1925 to William and Mary O’Connell. She attended college at what is now known as UMASS-Lowell and graduated with a degree in education. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, John Francis McAteer in September 1951. For the next 30 years she was primarily focused on raising their four sons and two daughters. They moved to Burlington in 1963 where she kept her hand in teaching by substituting. Bernice was a talented seamstress, loved to garden and to bake for friends and family. Her gardens were the envy of the neighborhood. Bernice was most happy when quilting and sewing. Her children and grandchildren have all benefited and cherish “Nana’s” personal works of art and love. Mom was a volunteer for many years at the Shelburne Museum where she helped keep the quilt collection in good repair. Bernice and John were active members of Christ the King Parish since their arrival in Vermont. Bernice is predeceased by her husband, John Francis McAteer, her brothers David, Paul and Tom O’Connell and her sister Barbara Fitzgerald. Our mother is survived by her dear brother Robert O’Connell and her six children, Mary Kennedy (Gerald); Mark McAteer; Jack McAteer (Linda); Carol Grace (Steve); Peter McAteer (Cynthia) and David McAteer. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Nicole and Alison Grace; Anne (Kennedy) Riggs; Matthew Kennedy and Molly Kennedy; Jonathan McAteer and Daniel McAteer as well as great-grandchildren, Tyler Rizza; Bryton and Bennet McAteer; Wilder and Parker McAteer; Cillian Kennedy and a multitude of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of The Arbors at Shelburne and Bayada Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care. If you wish to commemorate Bernice’s life, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Special Olympics, a charity of your choice or simply perform an act of kindness with her in mind. Due to current Covid restrictions, no services will be held at this time. A Mass, and internment of her ashes at Resurrection Park and celebration of her life will take place at a date yet to be determined. Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral Home South Chapel 261 Shelburne Rd. Burlington. To send condolences please visit www.readyfuneral.com