Bernadette Stirling
February 10, 1947 to August 5, 2024
Obituary
The funeral service for Bernadette Stirling will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
Please click HERE to view the link.
Passed away peacefully at the age of 77, Bernadette Stirling (née Dunn), formerly Dawson. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 23 years, Leonard Stirling, her parents George and Mary Dunn (née Whalen) of South River, her grandparents Patrick and Maggie Dunn (née Dwyer), and her stepdaughter Susie Stirling Burry.
Bernadette was a devoted mother to her three daughters and a loving grandmother. She was also a hardworking and astute businesswoman who founded Dawson-Randall Real Estate in Bay Roberts while raising her young family. Her dedication to her profession was evident though her years of service as chair of the Newfoundland Real Estate Board and Ethics Committee. Bernadette was a respected leader in the Conception Bay business community, demonstrating the grace and grit required to succeed as a female professional in a male-dominated field.
An avid reader of Newfoundland history and Irish literature, Bernadette enjoyed cooking for her family and creating a warm, inviting home. Her legendary spaghetti sauce was a family favorite. She and Len shared a love for travel, including skiing, trips to Florida, cruises, and special visits to Italy. Her passion for Newfoundland genealogy and research about the Dunn family tree took her on many happy trips to Ireland.
Bernadette leaves behind her daughters Lesa Dawson (Andrew Smith, Rory, and Ellen), Cristina McLoughlin (Paul McLoughlin and Laura Tamutis), and Katie Saunders (Marc Saunders, Maggie and Anna), her stepchildren Bill Stirling (Marie Stirling, Jenny, Evan, and Alex), Jane Soper (Bill Soper, Matthew, and Katie), and Joanne Stirling (Aaron). She is also survived by her siblings Peggy Mercer (Max Mercer, David, Peter, Daniel, Sarah, and Adam), Jean Crane (Richard Crane, Melanie, and Michael), and Rick Dunn (Effie Dunn, Lori-Ann, Jeffery, and Brendan). She will be missed a large circle of friends in St. John’s, NL and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.
The family extends sincere thanks to Drs. Maggie Hickey, Amanda Coleman, Susan MacDonald, and the wonderful staff at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Village. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Thursday, August 8th from 4 PM – 7PM. The funeral service will be held at the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Friday, August 9th at 10 AM.
Schedule
Visitations
4 - 7 P.M. on August 8, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:00am, Friday August 9th
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Lesa. Cris and Katie
Sincere sympathy on the passing of your Mom.
Sincere condolences upon loss of your mother
Leo and Kit
Lesa, Cris, Katie and families,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember her as kind, warm, friendly and always so welcoming to me. Thinking of you all at this difficult time and sending my condolences.
Take care,
Tina
Sorry for your loss. Many fond memories including Christmas party’s with entire Dunn family hosted many times at her house. She will be missed
I’m so sorry to hear about Bernadette’s passing. Thinking of you Katie, sending love to you and your family.
Lesa, Christina, & Katie
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Lesa, Christina and Katie,
Condolences on the loss of your Mom.
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a lovely person. Hold on to your beautiful memories
Dear Christina and family,
My sincerest condolences to you all on the passing of your Mother. I know it has been a difficult year for you with a lot of loss. I hope you find some comfort in being together and take all the time you need to grieve. Take good care. – Hetty
Katie and family, So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Many good memories to hold tight. Love always🙏
Jean, Richard and family, so sorry for your loss.
Mary &Phil
Katie and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.
Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With our love and deepest sympathies.
Peter and Janet
Jean. Richard and family. Condolences on the passing of your sister. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Jean, Richard and family,
Deepest sympathy for your loss..
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann-Marie.
Dearest Max
So sorry to hear of the passing of your sisterinlaw. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
With much love,
Shirley and Terry
We send our most sincere condolences. Thinking of you all and sending our love and big hugs.
Saddened to learn of the passing of your mother. To Lesa, Cristina, Katie and families we extend our deepest condolences to you all.
Very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Joanne
Dear Lesa,
Deepest condolences to you and your family at this time.
Lesa and family,
I am sorry to read of your family’s loss and I am sending my sincere care and condolences.
Deepest Condolences. Such a shock and such a short time after my brother Len’s passing which I am still reeling from.
May the good Lord wrap you all with the grace , mercy and love
❤️ you all deserve and need at this very difficult time.
Love 🕊️Maxine Stirling Dawe
Midtown Toronto
nfldmax@hotmail.com
Sorry for yours and your family’s loss, Lesa. I remember how much you loved your mom.
Lesa and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing.
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Sandra Williams
Lesa
Sending my sympathy and condolences on the loss of your mom
Jean and family,
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Had the privilege of meeting Bernie through a mutual friend of mine. Did a lot of work of work for her and Len in the last year or so with Wayne who she really thought a lot of. Condolences to her family and the Stirling family.
Katie and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Kindest regards,
Nicole Snow and Ian Fong
Dear Christina,
It is with great sadness that I was informed of you mother’s passing! I am so sorry for your loss! I am sending you my deepest and sincere condolences to you and your family! May your beautiful mother rest and peace and may you have strength and courage to go through these difficult times! My prayers and positive thoughts are with you and your family! With Love! André 🙏💖✝️🕊️🌾💐
Lesa & family,
Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate the life of your Mom And her legacy. May wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Katie , Bill & Family, Thinking of you all during this sad time. Sincere condolences.