Theresa Marie (Snyder) Bernard died peacefully at Cornwall Manor on Dec. 11, 2025. She will be dearly missed by her loving family.
Theresa was born on Oct. 5, 1936, at Fort Indiantown Gap to William and Mary (Wida) Snyder. Her siblings included Mary Smith (deceased), Robert Snyder (deceased), Marguerite Kapp, John Snyder (deceased), Paul Snyder (deceased), and George Snyder (deceased). She is also predeceased by her beloved son, Brian Bernard.
The Snyders moved to Rexmont, and Theresa attended Cornwall High School, graduating in 1955. That is where she met the love of her life and married Clair (Nip) Bernard on April 23, 1955, at Sacred Heart Church. They raised their family in Rexmont, where they lived until moving to Gretna Springs in 2004 and then to Cornwall Manor in 2018.
Raising a family of eight children was work enough, but after a few of the children left for college, she took on an additional role to improve the family finances. She began waiting tables at Tony’s Restaurant, which later became Tony’s Mining Company in Cornwall. She approached that job, as she did all others, with great care, attention to what was important, and hard work, but always with kindness. In her 20 years there, she developed some dear friendships, with both customers and co-workers.
Mother and Grandma were two roles at which Theresa excelled. The household in Rexmont was a very busy place, as the children were enrolled in sports, music, and jobs, along with their academic pursuits. Somehow she kept everyone fed, clothed, and happy, with a pillow under their head each night — no small feat.
Because she was quiet, her many talents and her keen intellect were not always evident. But they were undeniable, and given an opportunity to sit with her one-on-one, you would be embraced by her warmth, engaged by her curiosity, and drawn into her circle of love. She also had a great sense of humor and would slyly deliver a zinger when least expected.
She was dedicated to her family in every conceivable way, and her relationship with her husband was one to be admired. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in April. She once shared that, before they became a couple, she went to Lover’s Lane with her friends, looking for “Nip,” as she had a crush on him. It paid off. They got together early on and were the lead roles in their high school play — Life with Papa. And that proved to be what she lived — Life with Papa. Nip relied on her to keep everything in his life in order — even to the point of waking him to go to work. It could be any time of the day, because of his crazy work schedule, and she would ask whichever child was nearest to “go wake Daddy.” The first child was never successful, nor even the second one. But she stayed on task and would continue to turn to the next closest child, five minutes later, and say, “Your turn,” and up the steps they’d go. It was remarked that he had better hope he leaves this life before her, because he was so dependent upon her. But that changed dramatically with her illness. His dedication and service to her during the last few years were a testament to their deep love.
Although she wasn’t someone you heard from often, her words carried weight. She was very thoughtful, choosing her words carefully, providing encouragement and support when needed. She was so dearly loved – gentle, loving, and kind to everyone she encountered. She was not only the best mother, but she was the best mother-in-law. Despite her vast experience raising a family, she never offered advice or suggestions without being asked. She was so humble and very hard-working. She was completely selfless — it was never about her. And none of us ever recalls her saying a mean or unkind word about anyone.
Theresa’s faith is also a model for us to follow. Her devotion to Sacred Heart Church, when she was able to give it, was significant. She had a beautiful voice and was a member of the choir for many years, in addition to being a cantor. Very active in the Legion of Mary, she was devoted to Mary, her model of motherhood. She was a part of the Rosary Prayer Chain and the Fatima Group, and she also served as an Eucharistic Minister, serving the homebound. Her Lord and Savior is surely welcoming her with open arms, as she was a true servant of God.
She moved from her Laurel Place home at Cornwall Manor in September 2025 to the Health Center, due to her declining health brought on by Parkinson’s Disease. She faced her diagnosis with faith, fortitude, grace, and wisdom. Her life was diminished by her disease, but she bravely acknowledged, “We accept what we have to do.” Family members would like to recognize and thank the beloved caregivers of Seniors Helping Seniors and the nurses and aids at Cornwall Manor who eased her through the last few years and months.
Surviving children include Karen Shamenek (Lou), Elizabeth Rupp (Mark), Marilyn White (Tom), Alan Bernard, Marie Hine-Bernard (Annie), Kevin Bernard (Michelle), and Keith Bernard (Kristie). She has 11 grandchildren, Austin Rupp, Meredith Rupp, Travis Rupp, Matthew White, Andrew White, Ryan Parpagene, Lilly Bernard, Colby Bernard, Brady Bernard, Thomas Bernard, and Cameron Bernard, and two great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Cornwall on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. There will be a two-hour visitation prior to the Mass, starting at 9 a.m. Family extends an invitation to join for a luncheon at the Parish Hall following Mass and interment at Holy Savior Cemetery.
Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
