Contributions to the tribute of Bernardine M. DiYulio

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The family of Bernardine M. DiYulio uploaded a photo

Monday, July 23, 2018

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Althea posted a condolence

Monday, February 27, 2017

I’m here to speak of Bernardine DiYulio’s life. My name is Thea, I am Bernardines niece, the daughter of her youngest sister Elvie. Bernardine, like many of the women in our family, was strong, unique, and fiercely independent! This became evidently clear in 1944, when, at only 17, she bravely moved to NYC to study art at the cooper union, a prestigious art school. Once you got in there was no tuition, so you can imagine how competitive it was to be accepted. Many of the stories that have been shared show Bern’s love for teaching and mentoring. Our cousin Carol shared with me her memory of Bern teaching her to play chess when Carol was only 8. Carol told me how much Bern loved the game, and expressed a fondness for the memory, and the time together. Emily, her sister, remembers a time early in their adult lives, Emily writes: “I had the closest relationship with my sister during the time we spent together in New York City, while she was at Cooper Union, in the late 1940’s. She, and her many friends introduced me to a part of NYC that I would have never known – art galleries, museums, the cloisters, and interesting and cheap places to eat. During this time she was my mentor, teacher, and friend. She invited me into her world and shared her interests in art history, pop culture, and the ever changing, and evolving styles of fine art. She has forever changed the way I view and enjoy art. These are the memories of my sister that I hold nearest and dearest.” Elvie, the youngest, reflects on some of her early memories of her sister, Elvie writes; When I was little Bern was often the alternate mother, from her age ten to seventeen. During this time she taught me how to enjoy, and evaluate the Arts - including fine art and music and literature as well as teaching me math, and the sciences, especially chemistry beyond my years or understanding...Without these beginnings I would not have expanded my appreciation of those aspects of living that have added beauty, and pleasure to my life . Whether rich or poor, or anywhere in between, life is dismal without beauty, and joy, and scientific curiosity. She Showed me these, and so enriched my life. (end quote?) (pause) Bernardine’s fierce independence wasn’t just a triumph for her generation, when many women didn’t even consider a life on their own, but also an amazing accomplishment considering what she battled on a personal basis. Her schizophrenia began to surface in her late teens, we believe. Although her struggle may have influenced her art in some amazing and beautiful ways, it also made some of her day to day life a much bigger challenge. Most people aren’t able to stay living as deeply, and as richly, and as on their own terms as she did over the majority of her life, with such a challenging mental illness. This is a miraculous achievement of its own, let alone the amazing art, generosity, and love she shared so easily and willingly. The church was always a big part of her life. She was devoted to mary, and found comfort in her rosary throughout, especially at the end. Her commitment to spiritual development and sharing those thoughts freely and lovingly with others, was apparent always. Reading theological and devotional books brought her great comfort and purpose. Memories from her nieces and nephews in no particular order and without clarity on whose memory is whose; ….a memory of her being full of ideas for projects… …..we remember a willingness to help others and give hope, she never gave up on herself or anyone else for that matter…. ….remembering finding Aunt Bern in a quiet corner amongst all the hustle and bustle, that seemed a constant growing up, she was the only one who spelled well enough to find all the misspellings in our homework, but she never seemed upset that her quiet time had been invaded….. …..some memories are disjointed, maybe like her life. Many good, like the excitement of picking her up at Lerners, where she worked, or the handmade cards with portraits she had done of each us, or pictures she had sketched of our favorite things, miniature works of art... ….posing for her, how patient she was in knowing we couldn’t sit for long because we were young and antsy…. ….bringing real paints and huge canvases for us to paint on and with. Aunt bern said, what are you going to paint, we said we’ll paint our sister, and so we did, her whole body, blue, head to toe …. Bernardine spent a lot of her life volunteering. She spent countless hours at the Mary Cariola center, and at the Mt Carmel House. She would share her love of art, music, and her spiritual joy. She offered her support and time unconditionally and generously for many many years. Her godson and nephew Tony shares some of his thoughts and memories, Tony writes; In her last years it was my privilege to help aunt Bern manage first her money, and then more areas of life. I hope it somewhat balanced the scales for all the support, protection, and encouragement she gave me over the years. And love. I think it is still sinking in just how much she cared about us all. Bernardine; daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, mentor, teacher, and friend. We are blessed and fortunate to have been influenced, loved, and inspired by you. Your energy, presence, and passion will be missed on a daily basis. Your artwork will make your memory immortal but your love for us will ease our broken hearts as we feel the empty space you’ve left behind.

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Sandra Fortunato posted a condolence

Friday, February 17, 2017

Dear Bernadine and your family, I feel blessed to have known you and worked with you. Your quiet ways and sense of humor I will remember. God is lucky to have you as one of His angels(which He knows). Peace and God bless you and your family! Sandy

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Joseph and Rose Ann Giallombardo posted a condolence

Friday, February 10, 2017

Dear Emily, Elvie & family, Your Sister, God-Mother, Aunt & Friend is free of pain & is your Angel in Heaven. Peace & Blessings to each of you, Rose Ann & Joe

Bernardine M. DiYulio

1927 - 2017

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