Sr. Bernadita Peterson Obituary

Team members across the Pallottine Missionary Sisters’ ministries were saddened to learn that Sr. Bernadita Peterson (SAC), former director of the Pallottine Renewal Center, had passed. Sr. Bernadita released her spirit back to God on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Huntington, WV. She was 91 years old.

During her time at PRC, Sr. Bernadita led a strong team that served many high-school and adult retreats. She was always a welcoming presence to retreatants as well as the ‘Friends of Pallottine’ supporters. Sr. Bernadita was a member of the formation team for young sisters and served on the provincial council. She was a beloved leader at Pallottine Renewal Center from 1989 to 2007.

Sr. Bernadita was known for her love of God’s creation, which was nurtured as a young girl growing up on the farm. Bernadita received her elementary education in a rural two-room schoolhouse where she first interacted with the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, who came to teach summer Bible school. She joined the order at the age of 17 in 1950, taking her final vows in 1959.

Sr. Bernadita will be remembered for her love of storytelling, her delight in going camping with friends, making candles, getting her hands dirty in the soil and making pottery.

“I want to be remembered that wherever I could, I would plant a flower wherever a flower could grow.”

Sr. Bernadita’s many flowers – the people taught, the PRC retreatants served, the women formed in religious life, the changes brought about in Rome and the many gardens tended – are all better off for having experienced her touch. Rest in Peace, sister.

A tree will be planted in her memory at a ceremony held at the Retreat & Conference Center on Sunday, Nov. 10. Details are pending.

Donations in Sr. Bernadita’s memory may be made to the Pallottine Missionary Sisters’ Retirement Fund or to the Pallottine Renewal Center.