Berlin Obituary: Bernadette Schreiner

Bernadette (Blankenburg) Schreiner passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at her home, surrounded by her family and her beloved (and lovingly spoiled) German shepherd dogs.

Bern was happily married to her husband Rick for 37 years, and was incredibly proud of her three children, Casey, Scott, and Brooke. As a stay at home mother, she taught her children the joy of reading and learning and encouraged and supported them unconditionally. After her own children grew up, she continued to inspire countless children while working at Hubbard Elementary School for many years.

A gifted artist, Bern was an expert calligrapher and practiced the German paper-cutting art of scherenschnitte, often combining the two into beautiful works that still hang in family members' homes today. She was an avid skier and loved exploring the mountains of New England with her family and friends, and she also worked as a ranger at Mount Southington for many years. In more recent years, she rediscovered her love for art, exploring photography and enjoying the beauty in nature. More than anything, though, she loved spending time with her best friend and husband "Babe," on weekend bike riding adventures, trips to the beach, or just relaxing at home by their wood stove. Her love of animals was life-long and inspiring, and ensured the home was always decorated with ample amounts of dog hair.

Bernadette is survived by her husband, Rick (and their three German Shepherds, Heike, Klaus, and Fritz); her son, Casey and his partner, Daniel (and their pit bull, Emmy), her son, Scott and his wife, Ashley (and their German Shepherd, Ivan); and her daughter, Brooke and her boyfriend, Brian (and their Dalmatian, Taygon). She also leaves behind her mother, Marie Blankenburg; her sisters, Diane Parker and Maribeth Ritchie; her sister-in-law, Pam Blankenburg; and many, many other cherished cousins; nieces, nephews; relatives; and friends. She is predeceased by her father, Richard Blankenburg; her brother, Richard "Skip" Blankenburg; and many other beloved relatives.

Memorial services will be held at Kenney-Luddy Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St., New Britain, on Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care of Meriden, an organization that has been very helpful and comforting to the Schreiner family in this difficult time.