Bernice Stern, Grandmother of Lee Pesky, Passes Away

Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) announces an important leadership transition. Executive Director Maureen O’Toole will be stepping away from her position to attend to family health matters. The entire LPLC community expresses deep gratitude for Maureen’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to advancing our mission of helping students, families, and educators overcome learning challenges and reach their full potential.

During her tenure, Maureen guided the Center through a period of growth and adaptation while strengthening relationships with community partners, expanding access to services, and championing programs that ensure all learners have the tools and support they need to succeed. Her empathy, professionalism, and focus on mission-driven impact have left an enduring mark on the organization and those it serves.

Stepping into the role of Executive Director is Dr. Lindy Crawford, who previously led Lee Pesky Learning Center and now returns with optimism and a renewed vision for impact. Dr. Crawford brings deep institutional knowledge, decades of educational leadership experience, and an unwavering commitment to the Center’s mission. Her familiarity with LPLC’s team, community, and the broader educational landscape in Idaho ensures continuity, stability, and momentum during this transition.

“Lee Pesky Learning Center’s professional expertise is second to none and it is my great honor to once again serve alongside an incredibly accomplished and deeply empathetic team,” said Dr. Crawford. “For close to 30 years, LPLC has led educational innovation using an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. I am excited to play a small part in our continued evolution.”

Board Chair Jim Foudy added, “We are profoundly grateful to Maureen for her care, leadership, and commitment to every learner we serve. We’re equally confident in welcoming Lindy back to guide LPLC into its next chapter. Her deep knowledge of LPLC and her passion for education will be a great asset to the organization during this transition period.”

For nearly three decades, Lee Pesky Learning Center has helped thousands of students, families, and educators overcome obstacles to learning through direct academic and clinical services, professional training, and community partnerships. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bernice Stern, grandmother of Lee Pesky. Mrs. Stern passed away on Saturday, April 18 after 103 years of love, family and friends. Mrs. Stern and her late husband, Milton Stern, are the parents of Wendy Pesky, LPLC Co-Founder and Board member. Bernice and Milton Stern were loving parents and generous participants in their communities. Their family foundation, the Milton and Bernice Foundation, has been one of LPLC’s most generous benefactors throughout our 23-year history and pivotal to our success.

Mrs. Stern born on July 8, 1916, in the East Bronx, New York. She graduated from NYU and in 1936 she married the love of her life, Milton – partner in family, business, entertainment, travel and sports. Bernice was an avid skier, swimmer and loved the outdoors – all of which she enjoyed with her four children, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Bernice was one of the first woman entrepreneurs in the cosmetic business, founding Parfums Stern with her husband in the 1960s. Once the company was bought by Avon in 1987, Bernice was able to devote more time to her charitable causes – one of which being Lee Pesky Learning Center, as well as LPLC’s “sister center” The Stern Center for Language and Learning in Williston, VT.

In addition to being remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, Bernice will be missed for her warmth, compassion, vivaciousness, and generosity.

Due to current circumstances, a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Lee Pesky Learning Center. If you would like to make a gift in Mrs. Bernice Stern’s honor, please click here.

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