Marjorie Bernhardt

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Marjorie Bernhardt who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Marjorie was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Marjorie knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Marjorie was born on May 29, 1934 at home via Mid Wife in Liverpool, England. Her parents were Albert and Edith Crawford. Marjorie was raised in Liverpool, England. Even as a youngster, Marjorie learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Marjorie was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Marjorie was raised with two siblings. She had two younger sisters, Irene and Valerie. Marjorie had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Marjorie, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Marjorie's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Marjorie enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. She was a Scout Member of The Blue Belles. In her spare time she liked reading, knitting and playing piano. Marjorie's memorable achievements included being an Award Winning Artist.

In school, Marjorie was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Marjorie was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Marjorie’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite classes in high school were Home Economics, English and Writing. She was an honor student at her school.

Marjorie was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Marjorie was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Marjorie came to expect her high standards of performance. Later in life, she became friends with Norma and Arthur Pritchard, Cynthia Kingsbury, Mary Clay, Barbara Cady and Francis Chamblin.

An objective and conscientious individual, Marjorie reveled in the security of her family. On February 16, 1956 Marjorie exchanged wedding vows with Wally Lee Bernhardt at the Registrar’s Office (City Hall) of Liverpool, England. One of Marjorie’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Marjorie was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Marjorie would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Marjorie was blessed with two children, one daughter, Gaynor and one son, Mark. She was also blessed with two grandchildren, Melissa and Andrew.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Marjorie was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Marjorie was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Marjorie upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was being a Teacher/Educator. She was employed as a teacher for over 15 years at Campus Crusade For Christ. Marjorie was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Marjorie approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading, knitting, cooking, taking care of family, grandchildren, shopping, traveling and live theatre. Marjorie was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Marjorie to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. She also enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were the English Premier League Futbol - Liverpool.

Faith was important to Marjorie. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a devout Christian.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Marjorie used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Marjorie had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, England and Canada.

One of Marjorie’s favorite pets was Fred, a Golden Retriever. They were best friends for 12 years.

When Marjorie’s retirement finally arrived in 1996, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved relocating to Sun Lakes Golf Community in Banning, California. In retirement, she found new pleasure in traveling, TOPS, library volunteering and shopping. In many ways, Marjorie loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Marjorie passed away on September 21, 2010 at home in Banning, California. Marjorie lost her valiant battle against cancer. She is survived by her husband Wally Bernhardt; daughter Gaynor Bernhardt Potrolino; son Mark Bernhardt; granddaughter Melissa Bernhardt and grandson Andrew Potrolino. Services were held 11:00am, Monday, September 27, 2010, at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, California. Marjorie was laid to rest at home.

All who knew her would agree that Marjorie was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Marjorie Bernhardt did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.