Sister Bernadette Kenny, fondly known as “Sister Bernie,” passed away peacefully Dec. 7, hours before her 86th birthday. Sister Bernie is remembered for her compassion and kindness; her work in healthcare impacted people across the southwestern Virginia region for decades. Her funeral Mass was held Dec. 12 at St. Joseph, Clintwood.
Born Dec. 8, 1938, in Boston, Massachusetts, and named Mary Ellen, she became a sister of the Medical Missionaries of Mary at the age of 19. She earned a nursing degree and served in missions around the world, including Ethiopia and Tanzania.
But it was in the rural mountain towns of southwest Virginia that Sister Bernie made her life’s work, dedicating herself to improving access to healthcare. She founded St. Mary’s Health Wagon, dispensing healthcare in Appalachia from her Volkswagen Beetle. In 1983, she became a registered family nurse practitioner and led St. Mary’s Health Wagon until 2005.
Sister Bernie co-authored a book, “Better for Being with You,” with Tauna Gulley, a nursing instructor for The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, which is about caring for residents in central Appalachia.
Sister Bernie is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Tom, Bill and Ann. She is survived by her sister, Ellen Mahairas.